At the latest inflation stabilization meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin on Saturday, current and upcoming measures to curb food prices in December were discussed.Three weeks of November passed with no price increases for socially important food products. December and the traditional season of increased consumer demand lie ahead. Meeting participants discussed a set of measures necessary to ensure stable prices and the availability of high-demand products on supermarket shelves and markets.Expanding the List of Socially Important ProductsThe Trade Committee of the Ministry of Trade and Integration has prepared a draft to temporarily expand the list of socially important food products to include those with the highest price volatility. The document is currently being approved. Detailed discussions with the business community and the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs are planned for the near future.Regional Fairs and the Bereke Fest CampaignAgricultural fairs continue in the regions: over 5,000 such events have been held this year, and they will continue every weekend.In December, the national Bereke Fest campaign will once again be held in partnership with retail chains. In addition, local akimats (government offices) are organizing pre-New Year fairs to ensure a wide selection of goods at affordable prices.Working with Food ImportersConsidering the high seasonal demand for imported products, the Trade Committee has formed a pool of major importers and suppliers of food products. Meetings with them will be held soon to discuss price stability for the most popular products in December.At the end of the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Trade and Integration, in conjunction with the akimats, to ensure continuous price monitoring and promptly respond to any changes.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1116263?lang=kk

Wholesale suppliers of goods to the Karaganda region, Milk Group LLC and Dep Plus LLC, inflated the trade markup on butter by 22.6% and 26.3%. Sultan Kamal LLC sold 2.5% fat kefir with a 43.2% markup, and Kadomets LLC sold Category C1 chicken eggs with a 25% markup. Er-Ai 2012 LLC increased the established markup on buckwheat by 12%.Vegetable suppliers Nadirov LLC and Marsh LLC inflated the markup on potatoes to retail chains by 5% and 20%, respectively. As a result, the Department of Trade and Consumer Protection of the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the Karaganda Region brought all these retailers to administrative responsibility under Article 204-4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Kazakhstan.Since the beginning of the year, 155 retailers have been held administratively liable in the Karaganda region as part of state oversight. Of these, 142 unjustifiably inflated markups on socially important food products, 10 were found to have price discrepancies, and three failed to comply with retail store operating hours. As a result, 40 entrepreneurs were issued warnings, and 115 were fined over 5 million tenge.To prevent unjustified price increases on socially important products and eliminate ineffective intermediary chains, a regional commission to investigate intermediary schemes is operating in the region. In accordance with its operating procedure, the commission closely collaborates with other government agencies."To identify unjustified price increases, we, together with the Department of State Revenue, regularly analyze electronic invoices from key market participants and, as part of this collaboration, constantly monitor the movement of goods from the manufacturer to the supermarket shelf," said Abzal Rakhymbayev, Head of the Department of Trade and Consumer Protection of the Karaganda Region.Since the beginning of the year, the commission has held 57 meetings. As a result, five large retail chains and 32 wholesale suppliers have been held administratively liable. According to the department's monitoring data, Karaganda entrepreneurs most often unjustifiably increase markups on groceries, with 81 instances identified since the beginning of the year. Vegetables are second with 51 instances.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1116230?lang=kk

Since the beginning of the year, the Department of Trade and Consumer Protection in the Karaganda Region has received 2,528 complaints about consumer rights violations. Residents of the region most frequently complained about household services, including cosmetics, furniture manufacturing, car and appliance repair, and housing and utilities."Since the beginning of 2025, the regional department has conducted 36 unscheduled inspections on consumer rights issues. As a result, 16 administrative fines have been imposed on entrepreneurs who violated consumer rights, and 10 warnings have been issued. A total of 84,241,047 tenge have been returned to consumers since the beginning of the year," reported Abzal Rakhymbaev, Head of the Department of Trade and Consumer Protection in the Karaganda Region.Furthermore, during the first 10 months of 2025, the department acted as a third party in 24 lawsuits related to consumer rights protection. In November, the department reviewed a collective complaint from city residents regarding the quality of entrance cleaning services and the actions of the individual entrepreneur providing the service. During the inspection, specialists determined that consumers were provided with incorrect information about the actual service provider, and the contract termination procedure was not followed.Since the rights of more than 10 citizens were violated in a single matter, the department filed a pre-trial claim in accordance with Article 5, Section 8 of the Law "On the Protection of Consumer Rights."On November 4, the service provider was sent demands to terminate the contract, stop charging residents who refused the service, and provide accurate information about the service provider. According to the official response dated November 6, the contract was terminated, and all charges ceased as of December 1. Thus, the department fully restored the citizens' rights through pre-trial proceedings.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1116235?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1115781?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1115743?lang=kk

On November 29, 2025, an agricultural fair was held in Kostanay at the City Center, bringing together producers from 14 districts of the region and the cities of Kostanay and Rudny. More than 90 businesses presented fresh produce totaling over 332 tons, offering residents affordable prices and a wide selection.A total of 38 tons of meat products were sold, including 14.7 tons of beef at 3,000-3,200 tenge per kilogram, 6.7 tons of horse meat at 3,000 tenge, 4 tons of pork at 2,200-2,500 tenge, 1.5 tons of lamb at 2,700-3,000 tenge, and 11.4 tons of poultry at 900 tenge per kilogram.Flour enjoyed steady demand, selling 39 tons, with first-grade flour priced at 160 tenge per kilogram and premium flour at 200 tenge. Pasta sold at 13 tons at 260 tenge per kilogram. Also sold were 144,000 chicken eggs at 450 tenge per dozen.Potatoes sold at 55 tons at 150 tenge per kilogram, and fruits and vegetables at 84 tons, including carrots at 150 tenge and cabbage at 90 tenge per kilogram. Sunflower oil sold at 6.5 tons at 660 tenge per liter was also sold.Additionally, nine types of socially important products, totaling 25.3 tons, were offered to residents from the stabilization fund, providing essential goods at competitive prices.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1115701?lang=kk

Today, an agricultural fair featuring agricultural producers from the Karaganda region was held at the Global City shopping center in Karaganda to celebrate Republic Day. More than 90 agricultural producers from seven rural districts and processing plants from cities in the region presented their products at the fair, at prices 10-15% below the market average.In total, agricultural producers delivered over 156 tons of agricultural products to the fair, including: 56 tons of meat, 48 tons of potatoes, 18 tons of vegetables, 16 tons of dairy products, 6 tons of fish and fish products, 180,000 chicken eggs, and 12 tons of other products.The products delivered by the region's agricultural producers will allow residents and visitors to purchase fresh produce at affordable prices and replenish their winter supplies.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1115702?lang=kk

In the West Kazakhstan Region, holding weekly fairs for city residents with the participation of agricultural producers has become a good tradition. Today, local authorities held another fair on M. Ikhsanova Street. Producers from the city and districts of the region participated in the fair.Rural producers brought a wide range of meat products (beef, horse meat, pork, and lamb) to the city residents. For example, beef and horse meat were sold starting from 2,700 tenge.Farmers presented poultry products, including chicken, duck, and turkey. Sausage, dairy products, confectionery, and fish products were available in a wide variety and of excellent quality.Residents had the opportunity to purchase winter vegetable supplies at affordable prices.According to the schedule approved by local executive authorities, the fairs will be held until the end of December 2025 at two locations: M. Ikhsanova Street and in the village of Zachagansk.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1115703?lang=kk

Today, a fair of agricultural produce from the Karmakshy and Shieli districts was held in Kyzylorda. The fair, which started at 8:00 AM, offered residents natural, high-quality produce produced by the district's workers at prices 15-30% below market prices.Over 88 tons of produce from the Shieli district were delivered to the fair for residents. Specifically, over 20 tons of rice, 10 tons of melons, 25 tons of vegetables, 30 tons of potatoes, over 2 tons of meat and dairy products, 2 tons of groceries, as well as melons, tomatoes, cabbage, fish, meat, and dairy products were delivered to the fair from the Karmakshy district in 45 vehicles. Specifically, 25 tons of rice, 80 tons of melons, 2 tons of fruit, and 1 ton of meat were provided.Farmers offered their produce to residents at competitive prices. Rice sold at the fair for 370 tenge/kg, beef for 2,500/2,900 tenge/kg, horse meat for 2,300 tenge/kg, potatoes for 180 tenge/kg, carrots for 200 tenge/kg, onions for 110 tenge/kg, cabbage for 150 tenge/kg, tomatoes for 350 tenge/kg, fish for 1,300 tenge/kg, cottage cheese for 2,500 tenge/kg, and watermelon and melon for 150 tenge/kg.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1115700?lang=kk

In the face of rapid environmental and climate change, Kazakhstan is strengthening environmental protection measures and modernizing its environmental regulatory system. To improve environmental quality and minimize risks to the population, the Technical Regulation and Metrology Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Trade has approved a number of new standards aimed at supporting the implementation of the Strategy for Achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2060.The adopted documents define modern requirements for waste management, adaptation to climate change, emission reduction, and the transition to a circular economy and rational resource use.Key approved standards1. ST RK ST RK 4022-2025 "Waste. Waste Management. Requirements for Low-Waste Technologies." This standard establishes requirements for the regulation of low-waste and conventionally referred to as "zero-waste" technologies for managing production and consumption waste, as well as the directions and principles for creating zero-waste technologies. This standard will become an important tool in the transition to low-waste and zero-waste technologies, ensuring sustainable development and environmental protection.2. ST RK ISO/TS 14092-2025 "Adaptation to Climate Change. Requirements and Guidance for Adaptation Planning for Local Authorities and Communities," which describes a step-by-step process for tailoring a local adaptation plan to the climatic, ecological, and social conditions of each specific case.3. ST RK ISO 14068-1 "Climate Change Management. Transition to Net Zero. Part 1: Carbon Neutrality" and ST RK IWA 42 "Guidance on Carbon Neutrality." They create a framework for responsible emissions management and the implementation of science-based climate solutions. The new standards establish unified approaches and principles for all participants—environmental and analytical organizations, national and regional environmental monitoring centers, and environmental organizations.4. ST RK 4013-2025 "Circular Economy. Measurement and Evaluation of Circular Economy Performance."5. ST RK 4012-2025 "Circular Economy. Vocabulary, Principles, and Implementation Guidelines."6. ST RK ISO 4789-2025 "Guidelines for Wastewater Treatment and Reuse in Thermal Power Plants." This document aims to reduce water consumption by thermal power plants and mitigate their negative environmental impact. The standard requires the implementation of modern treatment technologies, including membrane, biological, and chemical ones.The adoption of new environmental standards strengthens Kazakhstan's position in global climate policy and creates a foundation for sustainable development, mitigating environmental risks and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1115699?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1115690?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1115688?lang=kk

Within the framework of the new Law "On Public Procurement," which entered into force on January 1, 2025, a Unified Procurement Platform has been launched in Kazakhstan. This platform combines public procurement and procurement of the quasi-public sector. Now suppliers can participate in tenders through a single portal, which greatly simplifies the process, since earlier authorization had to be carried out separately in each system.The new platform covers the procurement of all government agencies, national companies, holdings, enterprises and organizations with a state share of more than 50%, as well as the Samruk-Kazyna Foundation and its subsidiaries. This creates equal access for all participants in the procurement process to participate in regulated purchases.The advantages of the platform are: one portal for entering all types of regulated purchases, full transparency of procedures, monitoring and analysis of all types of purchases in one system, reflection of personal settings of users in your personal account.On the basis of the platform, an analytical module has been developed that displays information on planned and conducted purchases in the context of methods, plans, contracts, regions, budget types, and reporting administrators.This year, the following procurements have been connected to the Unified Procurement Platform: student meals, state educational procurement, public-private partnerships, and the procurement of medicines and medical devices under the State Medical and Healthcare Procurement Program.Next year, work is planned to connect natural monopoly entities and subsoil users to the platform of procurement sites.These measures are aimed at simplifying and unifying procurement procedures, increasing the openness and transparency of regulated procurement.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/minfin/press/news/details/1115666?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1115621?lang=kk

Astana, November 26, 2025 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan hosted a roundtable dedicated to the development of professional social work and the improvement of human rights protection mechanisms.The event brought together representatives of relevant government agencies, universities, NGOs, and international organizations. Participants discussed key directions for modernizing social legislation, issues of labor protection, freedom of association, migrant rights, as well as the institutional development of social work as a professional field.In her opening remarks, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alua Nadirkulova emphasized that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pays special attention to strengthening the status of social workers. The Social Code adopted in 2023 became an important step in this direction. It strengths professional training through education, certification, and qualification categories, as well as introducing a new remuneration system based on professionalism and job complexity.The Ambassador noted that Kazakhstan’s recommendations under the UN Universal Periodic Review related to vulnerable groups – women, children, and persons with disabilities can be most effectively implemented through strengthened social work mechanisms.Dinara Yesimova, Executive Director of the National Alliance of Professional Social Workers (the Alliance), presented the key provisions of the draft Law “On Social Work,” which will formalize the profession at the cross-sectoral level and establish a sustainable system of training and supervision.Deputy Director of the Alliance Asiya Bekenova presented the results of a two-year analytical study covering key human rights issues in labor protection, trade union activity, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, as well as the rights of migrants and stateless persons. She noted that the analysis includes a comprehensive review of existing legislation, assessment of its practical application, comparative analysis with international standards, and recommendations for their implementation. Deputy Director Bekenova emphasized that strengthening the professional community of social workers and creating a modern and stable legal framework are key conditions for the effective development of social work in Kazakhstan.International expert from the United States, Aitakin Huseinli, spoke about global trends and standards in social work, highlighting the need to integrate international approaches into national training programs. She noted that more than half of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals relate to social and economic issues, making the role of social workers essential in achieving these goals and building resilient support systems.Additionally, Professor of Law Muslim Khasenov presented recommendations on updating legislation related to freedom of association, labor protection, and the legal status of social sector specialists. He stressed that the current regulatory framework does not always meet modern requirements and Kazakhstan’s international commitments for protecting the rights of workers and vulnerable groups.Speaking about the right to peaceful assembly, the professor emphasized the need to legally establish a mediation procedure with the participation of a neutral mediator chosen by the parties in accordance with the Law “On Mediation.” This would help prevent conflicts, reduce social tension, and ensure a more civilized resolution of disagreements between the public and authorities.Head of the Alliance’s Almaty branch Zhanar Abdykhalykova, Alliance Deputy Director Ayagoz Aubakirova, and Head of the Kyzylorda branch Sandugash Ismagulova presented research results on supervision, professional standards, and the classification system of social professions.Through “supervision” – an internationally recognized system of professional support, the quality of social work improves across key areas: protection of women from domestic and gender-based violence, safeguarding children’s rights and developing the child protection system, and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. Supervision strengthens competencies, reduces risk-assessment errors, prevents secondary trauma and victim-blaming, improves interagency coordination, and promotes the implementation of a human-rights-based model.Participants paid particular attention to advancing the draft Law “On Social Work” as a key sectoral reform. The practical recommendations developed will serve as a basis for further legislative and institutional work, ensuring a systematic and sustainable approach to the development of the social sector.Overall, the discussion was open and constructive. Participants unanimously emphasized the importance of strengthening interagency cooperation, developing a unified system of training and supervision for social workers, and further consolidating the efforts of the state, NGOs, and the academic community.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1115612?lang=kk

Almaty, November 28, 2025 – The First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev met with the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Kazakhstan, Jeff Erlich.During the meeting, the parties agreed to work closely on the effective implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level following the President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to Washington, D.C., in November of this year.Following the meeting, the leadership of AmCham emphasized the readiness to actively contribute to strengthening trade and economic ties and expanding the presence of American businesses in Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1115536?lang=kk

Astana, November 28, 2025 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a meeting with the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Aktoty Raimkulova.During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of cooperation within the framework of the Foundation and exchanged views on the organization’s project activities.Minister Kosherbayev noted that Kazakhstan attaches great importance to the development of the cultural and humanitarian dimension of Turkic cooperation.President of the Foundation Raimkulova informed him about the progress in implementing the instructions of the Council of Heads of States of the OTS and outlined the Foundation’s plans for the upcoming year 2026.The Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation was established on 23 August 2012. The main tasks of the Foundation are the protection, study, and promotion of Turkic culture and heritage through the support and funding of various events, projects, and programs.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1115488?lang=kk

In the North Kazakhstan Region, a resident of Petropavlovsk filed a complaint with the Department of Trade and Consumer Protection regarding a violation of pricing laws. She alleged that a price tag at one of the city's supermarkets listed the price in Russian rubles, rather than in the national currency, the tenge.Following the complaint, Department specialists conducted an unscheduled inspection of the retail outlet, which confirmed the violation: the price tags did indeed contain information in foreign currency, which is contrary to the requirements of Kazakhstani law, which requires that prices for goods and services be listed exclusively in tenge. Following the inspection, the supermarket owner was held administratively liable. Furthermore, the Department issued an order to rectify the identified violations and ordered the store's management to bring the price tags into compliance with legal provisions.Such incidents not only mislead customers but also violate their rights. Listing prices in foreign currencies can create difficulties in payments and foster mistrust of retail outlets.The Department of Trade and Consumer Protection of the North Kazakhstan Region reminds that every citizen has the right to reliable and transparent information about the price of goods. If violations are detected, consumers can contact authorized agencies to protect their interests. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1115471?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1115479?lang=kk

As part of the Third European Union – Central Asia Economic Forum, held in Tashkent on November 26–27, a working meeting was held between Zhanel Kushukova, Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Nurlan Kulbatyrov, Deputy Director General of QazTrade, and Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC).The talks were constructive and confirmed the high level of partnership between Kazakhstan and ITC, which is developing with the support of the European Union through long-term programs to facilitate trade, digitalize processes, and strengthen regional connectivity.This collaboration includes the Ready4Trade Central Asia and Ready4Trade: Path to Prosperity through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor programs, aimed at developing trade, digitalizing procedures, and strengthening regional connectivity in the region.Discussion of the Results of the Second Phase of Ready4Trade Central AsiaThe parties reviewed the key achievements of the second phase of the Ready4Trade Central Asia project, funded by the European Union. The discussions included: improving trade procedures at the national level and strengthening coordination between Central Asian countries; enhancing the efficiency of border administration and creating conditions for the accelerated movement of goods; facilitating the development of intraregional trade; and improving the conditions for the development of international trade along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. It was noted that the European Union's support plays a significant role in promoting reforms aimed at increasing transparency, reducing administrative barriers, and improving the business environment.Results of the CART.IS InitiativeThe parties discussed the progress achieved within the CART.IS initiative, implemented by ITC in close collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Integration and with the participation of relevant government agencies.The work included:analysis of the digital maturity of government agencies involved in regulating foreign trade; assessment of interagency cooperation mechanisms; mapping key trade processes; and preparation of recommendations for digital transformation and improvement of administrative procedures. The proposed measures provide the basis for further modernization of governance processes in border and international trade and the transition to more modern, digital, and harmonized regulatory systems.Developing Export Potential: A Roadmap for Vegetable OilsThe Vice Minister and the head of the ITC paid special attention to developing Kazakhstan's export potential. During the discussion, they noted the importance of the three-year roadmap for developing vegetable oil exports developed jointly by the ITC and the Ministry, which includes a comprehensive analysis of the sector, an assessment of market opportunities, and recommendations for improving enterprise competitiveness.Vice Minister Kushukova also noted the potential for applying a similar integrated approach to other export-oriented sectors of the economy and emphasized its practical value for further strategic planning.Assessing the Partnership and Further Interaction: The Ministry of Trade and Integration noted the importance of ongoing collaboration with the ITC and emphasized the European Union's contribution to supporting reforms aimed at simplifying trade procedures, digitalizing government processes, developing export potential, and strengthening regional integration.It was noted that the ITC's activities, supported by the European Union, contribute to the advancement of integration processes in the region and the development of trade connectivity, including along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.The parties confirmed their commitment to continue working together to implement the Ready4Trade Central Asia project's initiatives, which are aimed at creating a favorable business environment and developing regional cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1115409?lang=kk