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

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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

Bishkek, February 13, 2026 – As part of his official visit to Bishkek, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev was received by President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov.During the meeting, President Japarov noted with satisfaction the positive dynamics in the development of multifaceted cooperation between the two states and emphasized the importance of further deepening allied relations between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.In turn, Minister Kosherbayev conveyed warm greetings and best wishes on behalf of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and informed about the progress in implementing the agreements reached at the highest and high levels.“I would like to emphasize that Kazakh-Kyrgyz relations have significant potential and being filled with new qualitative substance, have been developing upward year by year. This is primarily facilitated by your regular political dialogue with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev,” Minister Kosherbayev noted.The Minister also underlined that Kazakhstan views the further expansion of bilateral trade and economic ties as a fundamental factor for progressive rapprochement. He stated with satisfaction that Kazakhstan firmly remains among the top three largest trading partners of Kyrgyzstan. The volume of mutual trade reached 2 billion US dollars, and a goal has been set to increase this figure to 3 billion dollars.The participants also highly appreciated cooperation between the two countries within multilateral formats and discussed current issues on the regional and international agenda.In conclusion, the sides reaffirmed the commitment of the brotherly nations to a course toward the consistent strengthening of allied relations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1161357?lang=kk

On February 20, 2026, at 15:00 local time, the Kazakh-Italian Trade House will officially open in Almaty. It will serve as a new institutional platform for the development of  trade, economic, and investment cooperation between the Republic of  Kazakhstan and the Italian Republic. The Trade House is located in Almaty, Nauryzbay Batyr Street, 17A (Almaty Plaza) and it’s the new business platform of the Italian-Kazakh Trade Association (ACIK), connecting its already active offices in Almaty, Milan, and Atyrau.The new project is intended to become a sustainable center for business support and the development of bilateral economic cooperation, with the perspective of representing and promoting the interests of both Central Asia and Europe. The Trade House's activities include promoting and supporting trade and investment, developing joint ventures and industrial projects, expanding production cooperation, sharing technologies and expertise and promoting the "Made with Italy" model of industrial cooperation, as well as expanding humanitarian and cultural contacts.The Trade House's infrastructure includes spaces for business negotiations and meetings, conference and exhibition halls for business forums, presentations, and institutional events, as well as modern digital solutions for hybrid interaction formats.To further support business interactions, information desks for Kazakhstan's development institutions such as Kazakh Invest, QazTrade, Kazakh Export, and Kazakh Tourism, will be located on the spot to provide up-to-date information on cooperation opportunities and government support measures.The launch of the Trade House is seen as an important stage in the implementation of Kazakhstan's European economic diplomacy and the elevation of bilateral cooperation to a qualitatively new institutional level and it’s the result of high-level agreements between the two countries, including the official visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Astana, as well as the consistent collaboration of relevant government agencies, development institutions, and business communities. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1161229?lang=kk

Zhuldyz Suleimenova held an official meeting with Dr. Kai-Fu Lee, CEO of Sinovation Ventures. The parties discussed the integration of artificial intelligence technologies into secondary and technical and vocational education, as well as raising the quality of human capital to a new level.Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has declared this year the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. This decision marks a firm step forward in the country’s technological development. The Minister emphasized that artificial intelligence technologies are not merely technical tools but a strategic resource for modernizing social policy and public administration and for enhancing national competitiveness.“As a result of our systematic work, 100,000 teachers have completed specialized training and received certificates in using ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence tools in the educational process. Our strategic goal is to effectively leverage the potential of artificial intelligence to ensure inclusion in education, personalize learning, and transform public institutions in line with modern requirements,” - said Zhuldyz Suleimenova.Dr. Kai-Fu Lee highly praised the Ministry’s commitment to digital reforms and shared his conceptual vision for the transformation of the education sector. In his view, artificial intelligence will free teachers from technical routine tasks such as grading, testing, and data processing, allowing them to strengthen their role as pedagogical mentors and creative leaders.According to the expert, one of the key directions for integrating artificial intelligence into secondary education is adapting educational content to each student’s cognitive characteristics and interests. For example, interdisciplinary approaches can link complex subjects with areas that engage students. Mathematical concepts can be taught by connecting them to a student’s interest in football, making learning more effective.The importance of interactive learning environments will continue to grow. Through animation technologies and artificial intelligence agents, it is possible to create dialogues with historical figures. This approach elevates learning from a purely academic level to an immersive experience. At the same time, in the context of rapid technological progress, soft skills such as creative thinking, communication, and empathy will become the most valuable assets in the labor market.The meeting also addressed the impact of artificial intelligence on the labor market and related ethical considerations. According to Dr. Lee’s forecast, artificial intelligence will optimize up to 60 percent of work processes, enabling professionals to shift toward more creative roles.The Ministry noted that it will strengthen public awareness initiatives and retraining programs, taking into account ethical concerns within society, particularly among parents and teachers.As a result of the meeting, the parties agreed to develop a joint action strategy for the education sector. The cooperation envisions support for acquiring advanced technological licenses for the national education system, establishing a local innovative company, adapting artificial intelligence methodologies to the national context, and expanding pilot projects implemented under the AI Kitap initiative and at School No. 107.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/edu/press/news/details/1161221?lang=kk

In the Zhetysu region, following the intervention of the Department of Trade and Consumer Rights Protection, prices for socially significant food products, including eggs, have been reduced. Work to monitor compliance with legislation in the field of trade and price regulation is carried out here on a systematic basis. Another inspection showed that some entrepreneurs do not comply with established norms. During monitoring, it was revealed that one trading company purchased chicken eggs for 50 tenge per piece, and then sold them in more than twenty branded stores for 60–75 tenge. The trade markup reached 20–50%, which significantly exceeds the permissible limit. After applying administrative measures, the price of eggs was reduced and brought into compliance with legal requirements. Violations were also identified in the sale of other socially significant goods. As part of an unscheduled inspection, it was established that one LLP supplied butter to another partnership, which then sold the products through seven retail chains and "convenience" stores with a markup ranging from 40% to 61%. Such indicators substantially exceed the established limit. According to the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Regulation of Trade Activities," the maximum permissible trade markup on socially significant food products must not exceed 15% of the manufacturer's selling price. Violation entails liability under Article 204-4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with fines having been toughened since 2025. Based on the inspection results, business entities have been held administratively liable and fined. Monitoring compliance with trade markups remains one of the priority areas of work, as it concerns price stability and the protection of consumer interests. Since the beginning of the year, the Department has reviewed 17 cases under Article 204-4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the region. The total amount of fines imposed amounted to 185,975 tenge. The Department calls on entrepreneurs to strictly comply with legal requirements. If facts of overpricing for socially significant products or the absence of price tags are identified, citizens can file an official complaint through the E-Otinish platform.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1161068?lang=kk

In 2026, the international Digital Almaty platform will transform into Digital Qazaqstan — a national technology forum dedicated to the practical digital and AI transformation of the economy and the strategic advancement of the country's regions.Digital Qazaqstan will consistently travel through various cities across Kazakhstan, integrating regions into a unified digital agenda and fostering the ideal environment for implementing cutting-edge technologies and Artificial Intelligence within the real sector, public administration, and the social sphere.First stop: Shymkent — the industrial heart of the region.March 27, 2026This is where technology meets the real sector. From smart governance to industrial AI, we are bringing the future to every corner of Kazakhstan.What’s in store:— High-level Plenary Session— Expert Panel Discussions & Roundtables— Startup & IT Exhibition— Thrilling Hackathons— Digital Qazaqstan Awards — celebrating the nation’s digital leadersJoin Digital Qazaqstan and take your place in shaping the nation’s digital future!Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/shymkent/press/news/details/1161004?lang=kk

В Астане прошло ежегодное XIII заседание Координационного комитета Программ поддержки малого и среднего бизнеса между Министерством национальной экономики Республики Казахстан и Европейский банк реконструкции и развития.В работе заседания принял участие вице-министр национальной экономики Ерлан Сагнаев. В своем выступлении он подчеркнул, что с 2013 года в рамках сотрудничества последовательно реализуются программы, ориентированные на развитие предпринимательства, расширение консультационной поддержки и создание новых рабочих мест. За этот период профинансировано более 2,7 тыс. консалтинговых проектов и проведено свыше 300 обучающих мероприятий. Благодаря полученной поддержке создано порядка 10 тыс. рабочих мест, а 17% предприятий в течение полутора лет после реализации проектов перешли в более крупный сегмент бизнеса.20 января 2025 года Министерством подписано Дополнительное соглашение с ЕБРР о продлении Программы до 2030 года.«Сотрудничество с Европейским банком реконструкции и развития остается важным инструментом поддержки малого и среднего бизнеса. Продление Программы до 2030 года подтверждает взаимное доверие и нацеленность на дальнейшие результаты. Мы видим конкретный эффект от реализуемых проектов - это новые рабочие места, рост компаний и укрепление их позиций на рынке», - отметил Ерлан Сагнаев.С учетом успешной реализации принято решение о запуске нового направления поддержки - «Повышение инвестиционной привлекательности предприятий среднего предпринимательства», ориентированного на компании с потенциалом дальнейшего роста.Глава Программы консультационных услуг ЕБРР в Центральной Азии и Монголии Симоне Зе Атанасовски отметила, что сегодня особое внимание уделяется поддержке средних предприятий в рамках проекта по повышению их инвестиционного потенциала, являющихся лидерами в своих отраслях и нацеленных на дальнейший рост в Казахстане. В ходе мероприятия состоялся открытый диалог с предпринимателями - участниками программы. Представители бизнеса отметили значимость государственной поддержки в расширении экспортных возможностей, развитии промышленного сектора и реализации инновационных проектов.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/1160921?lang=kk