Astana, March 2, 2026 – A telephone conversations took place between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev and Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov, Kyrgyz Republic Jeenbek Kulubaev, Republic of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, and Republic of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov.During the conversation, the ministers exchanged detailed views on the evolving military and political situation in the Middle East, noting the importance of maintaining close coordination and prompt interaction amid the crisis.Kazakh Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to his colleagues from Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan for their constructive cooperation on evacuation-related matters.The interlocutors reaffirmed their shared commitment to resolving conflict-related issues exclusively through political and diplomatic means, as well as to adhering to international law and joining efforts in the interests of maintaining regional security, peace and stability.At the conclusion of the call, the parties expressed their readiness to continue providing the necessary support in organizing the possible evacuation of citizens, as well as to maintain close working contacts through the foreign ministries. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1173170?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1173214?lang=kk

Kostanay fans solemnly welcomed the football club "Tobol," which won the Kazakhstan Super Cup.This victory belongs not only to the club but to our entire region. By winning the Super Cup for the fourth time, "Tobol" has proven itself to be one of the strongest and most competitive teams in the country."The hard work of the coaching staff and players, their unity, and high professionalism have elevated the team to a high level. In doing so, the footballers have brought immense joy to all Kostanay fans. Ahead lies a new season and new heights. I wish the team robust health, inexhaustible energy, and brilliant victories!", noted regional governor Kumar Aksakalov in his congratulatory speech.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1173276?lang=kk

An extraordinary session of the Kostanay Regional Maslikhat of the VIII convocation considered a number of issues. The regional akim, Kumar Aksakalov, participated in the meeting.The deputies discussed amendments to the regional budget for 2026–2028, setting rental rates for the use of monuments of history and culture of local significance, and approving the tariff per cubic meter of drinking water supplied from water supply systems subject to subsidization in the Kostanay region.Furthermore, changes to certain decisions of the Maslikhat were considered.The meeting also raised the issue of Arkalyk city's development. Currently, the largest gap in key indicators of infrastructure quality among the region's cities is recorded precisely in Arkalyk. The share of roads in good and satisfactory condition there is 31.6%."For comparison: in Tobyl city — 51.5%, in Rudny — 63.6%, in Zhetikara — 73.2%, in Lisakovsk — 93.6%, in Kostanay — 99.5%. The difference between the regional center and Arkalyk reaches 70%. The actual share of quality roads in Kostanay is more than three times higher. Courtyard areas and facades of apartment buildings in Arkalyk have not been renovated for many years. In the Address to the People of Kazakhstan, the President of the country emphasized that special attention should be paid to the development of the Torgay region," stressed the regional akim.Since last year, programs for improvement have begun to be implemented in Arkalyk, which will improve the living conditions of the population.The considered issues received support from the deputies.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1173324?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1173400?lang=kk

Today, at a meeting of the regional akimat chaired by the head of the region, Kumar Aksakalov, the issue of preparation for spring field work was considered. The head of the Department of Agriculture and Land Relations of the Kostanay Region Akimat, Ibrahim Bekmukhamedov, delivered a report. Additional information on their respective areas was also provided by the director of the Kostanay Region branch of RSE "Kazhydromet" Adel Akhmetov, the akim of the Karabalyk district Ruslan Khalykov, the akim of the Karasu district Kairat Ospanov, the director of LLP "Agro PARASAT" Azamat Zholaushybayev, and the director of LLP "Baltaly Ltd" Aslan Shamukhan.The President of the country noted that the potential of agriculture is not fully realized and emphasized the need to bring the industry to a new level. The state is creating all conditions for the high-quality conduct of spring field work. Significant funds have been allocated for the third consecutive year. In particular, nationwide, the volume of financing for the sowing campaign and harvest, as in the previous year, amounts to 1 trillion tenge, of which 300 billion tenge are allocated for the leasing of agricultural machinery.Furthermore, the allocation of 402 thousand tons of subsidized fuel for farmers is planned."Our main task today is to carry out spring field work in a timely and high-quality manner," emphasized the head of the region.It should be noted that starting from October 1, 2025, the acceptance of applications for financing agribusiness entities for the 2026 sowing campaign has begun. To date, more than 260 farms have already been financed with 19.2 billion tenge at 5% per annum. And if you take it for six months – then it's 2.5%.Moreover, financing for the forward purchase for 2026 through JSC "NC "Prodcorporation" for the region has been increased by 2.8 times. If it was 5.4 billion tenge in 2025, this year it is 15 billion.Currently, the work on financing spring field work is in an active phase.As noted by the regional akim, over 3 years, the structure of the region's sown areas has changed significantly. The areas under grain legumes have expanded by 84.4%, and under oilseeds by 32.1%. This indicates that the region is moving towards a diversified farming model."It is necessary to provide the population with the main types of socially significant food products through local production. This year, it is planned to increase the potato planting area to 7.5 thousand hectares, and buckwheat to 17.1 thousand hectares. These indicators must be achieved," noted Kumar Aksakalov.In the region, thanks to the preferential leasing program, 1.3 thousand units of machinery and equipment worth 57 billion tenge were purchased in 2025. Over three years, the agricultural machinery fleet has been replenished by almost 4 thousand units. Currently, there are about 28 thousand units of agricultural machinery in the region. Of these, 7% is new/upgraded machinery. This year, out of the 300 billion tenge allocated for leasing, 45 billion has been allocated to our region.In 2026, the plan for mineral fertilizer application for the region is 433.7 thousand tons. More than 11 billion tenge is allocated for subsidization. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1173722?lang=kk

A capital city university hosted an open lecture today focusing on the priority areas of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United Nations.Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, with the support of the United Nations Country Office, organized the event to mark the 34th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s membership in the United Nations. Students, faculty members, and young professionals attended the meeting.Speakers addressed key aspects of multilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United Nations, the implementation of international initiatives, and the country’s contribution to strengthening peace and security. They also highlighted progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and reviewed the work of UN agencies in Kazakhstan.Director of the Department of Multilateral Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, D.Temenov, outlined Kazakhstan’s leading role in promoting regional interests within the UN framework and presented the country’s priorities within the organization. He also emphasized the important role of the Eurasian National University in training specialists in international relations.K. Abdulganiyev, Head of the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan; S. Savelyev, Senior Expert at the Institute for Foreign Policy Research under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan; and S. Khojimatov, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Kazakhstan, shared insights into Kazakhstan’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and its contribution to the global nuclear disarmament process.The meeting served as an important educational and informational platform and aimed to increase students’ interest in international relations and diplomacy.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1173775?lang=kk

In the North Kazakhstan region, control over prices for socially significant food products has been strengthened. Since the beginning of 2026, about 20 entrepreneurs in the region have already paid over 1.5 million tenge in fines to the budget for exceeding the maximum allowable trade markup. This concerns goods included in the list of socially significant food products (SSFP), for which the state has established restrictions on the markup size. Among the most frequently identified violations are inflated prices for potatoes, carrots, rice, apples, and other basic food items. In some cases, the trade markup exceeded the permissible level by more than 50 percent. The basis for conducting inspections was data from electronic invoices provided by the Department of State Revenues. Analysis of the documents allowed specialists to compare the purchase cost of products with the final price on the shelf and objectively assess the size of the applied markup. This approach eliminates subjectivity and allows relying solely on financial documents. The department notes that control over compliance with price restrictions is carried out on an ongoing basis. The monitoring covers both large retail chains and neighborhood stores. If an excess of the allowable markup is detected, entrepreneurs are issued an order to eliminate the violations, and an administrative fine is imposed. Experts emphasize that regulating prices for socially significant products is aimed primarily at protecting the interests of the population, especially socially vulnerable categories of citizens. In conditions of fluctuations in the food market and rising costs, the state seeks to curb unjustified price increases for essential goods. The Department of Trade and Consumer Rights Protection reminds entrepreneurs of the need to strictly comply with legal requirements. Violations are recorded not only during scheduled inspections but also based on analytical work with digital data. According to specialists, this control format increases market transparency and promotes fair competition. Work to stabilize the price situation in the region will continue. The authorities call on business representatives to consider the social significance of the goods they sell and to comply with the established trade markup norms to avoid penalties and maintain customer trust.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1173781?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1193439?lang=kk

The second round of negotiations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Union was held in Astana on the draft Agreement on Visa Facilitation and the draft Readmission Agreement.In particular, the parameters of the future agreements aimed at enhancing citizens’ mobility, strengthening people-to-people contacts, and establishing a stable and predictable legal framework for cooperation in the field of migration were discussed. Special attention was paid to improving procedures, ensuring a balanced approach to travel facilitation and security issues, and reinforcing mutual trust and responsibility of the parties.Within the framework of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, the parties demonstrated their shared commitment to advancing modern mobility mechanisms reflecting the maturity and strategic nature of their bilateral relations.In their remarks, the European counterparts highly appreciated Kazakhstan’s constructive and pragmatic approach to migration policy issues and expressed their readiness to continue the negotiation process and maintain a steady dynamic of expert-level engagement.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1174070?lang=kk

На седьмом заседании Проектного офиса по внедрению Налогового кодекса под председательством заместителя Премьер-министра – министра национальной экономики Серика Жумангарина озвучены данные о выборе налоговых режимов. Как известно, определиться с налоговым режимом бизнес должен был до 1 марта этого года.По информации Министерства финансов, режим для самозанятых выбрали 346 тыс. человек, из них 265 тыс. — новые участники, вышедшие из тени.Напомним, что одной из ключевых целей налоговой реформы являлось «обеление» рынка труда и создание простых, понятных и доступных условий для легальной работы. Введение отдельного режима для самозанятых, преимуществом которого является освобождение получаемого дохода от налога и отсутствие необходимости регистрации в качестве индивидуальных предпринимателей, позволило вовлечь в правовое поле тех, кто ранее работал без оформления.Спецрежим на основе упрощенной декларации выбрали 1,2 млн предпринимателей.НДПИ по общераспространенным полезным ископаемымС 1 января 2026 года, согласно нормам Бюджетного кодекса, НДПИ по общераспространенным полезным ископаемым (ОПИ), подземным водам и лечебным грязям должен зачисляться в местные бюджеты — по месту нахождения объекта добычи. При этом, согласно нормам Налогового Кодекса, уплата НДПИ за ОПИ, подземные воды и лечебные грязи производится по месту нахождения недропользователя.В связи с необходимостью согласования норм Бюджетного и Налогового кодексов было решено, что необходимые изменения будут внесены в Налоговый кодекс. До их принятия поступления за IV квартал 2025 года будут зачисляться по месту регистрации недропользователя (в республиканский бюджет), а начиная с обязательств 2026 года — по месту добычи (в местный бюджет).КПН и целевые средства субъектов естественных монополийТакже на заседании рассмотрен вопрос обложения КПН целевых средств субъектов естественных монополий. В соответствии с законодательством прибыль и амортизация, включенные в тариф, имеют целевое назначение и направляются исключительно на реализацию инвестиционных программ — строительство, модернизацию и реконструкцию инфраструктуры. Эти средства не являются свободной прибылью.В рамках Национального проекта по модернизации энергетического и коммунального секторов в 2025–2029 гг. реализуются масштабные проекты обновления сетей. При вводе новых объектов увеличивается стоимость основных средств и амортизация, что автоматически расширяет налоговую базу по КПН.При этом расходы на уплату КПН не предусмотрены в тарифе и не компенсируются, что создает дополнительную финансовую нагрузку на предприятия и может сдерживать их участие в модернизации.В этой связи предложено выработать единый подход и дать разъяснения о недопустимости обложения КПН целевых средств инвестпрограмм, чтобы обеспечить стабильное финансирование обновления инфраструктуры и не допустить роста нагрузки на потребителей.Также на заседании рассмотрели вопросы, связанные с применением налоговых норм для предприятий горно-металлургического сектора, государственных учреждений.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/1174153?lang=kk

Astana, March 3, 2026 – First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev received Ambassador of the Argentine Republic Ignacio Ferrer Vieira.During the meeting, the Ambassador presented copies of his credentials.The parties discussed the current state and prospects for further development of bilateral cooperation between Astana and Buenos Aires. Particular attention was paid to expanding cooperation in trade and economic, investment, agro-industrial, transport and logistics, cultural and humanitarian, as well as educational spheres.The sides also reviewed issues of mutual support and cooperation within international organizations.At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening the Kazakhstan–Argentina partnership.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1174160?lang=kk

Astana, March 3, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov received copies of the credentials from the newly appointed Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Kazakhstan concurrently Ivan Orlić.Deputy Minister Issetov congratulated diplomat of Bosnia and Herzegovina on his appointment and expressed confidence that his work would contribute to the continued development of friendly relations between the two counties.During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for deepening bilateral partnership in the political, economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres.Ambassador Orlić expressed gratitude for the warm reception and assured that he would make every effort to strengthen the cooperation between Astana and Saraevo.The Parties agreed to continue collaboration in the all spheres of mutual interest.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1174314?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1174542?lang=kk

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov held a meeting with a delegation of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), headed by Douglas Bruce Wake, who arrived in Astana to observe the process of preparation and conduct of the national referendum scheduled for March 15, 2026.In addition to discussing the ongoing cooperation between Kazakhstan and the ODIHR, the parties reaffirmed the importance of the presence of international observers at the referendum in order to ensure transparency and openness of the electoral process. It was emphasized that constructive dialogue and cooperation contribute to strengthening confidence in the procedures of people’s will expression.Particular attention was paid to the mandate of the Observation Mission. The special importance of an objective assessment of the electoral process was noted, as well as readiness for further cooperation within the framework of international obligations and national legislation was confirmed.Following the meeting, both sides expressed mutual interest in maintaining regular working contacts and providing the necessary support to facilitate the Mission’s activities.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1174611?lang=kk

In honor of the Nauryz holiday, from March 13 to 20, 2026, the "Sauda in Digital Nauryz" competition is being held, dedicated to digitalization and the application of artificial intelligence in the trade sector.Participants must present innovative solutions, creative digital space design, and projects utilizing artificial intelligence. The competition aims to stimulate the adoption of modern technologies in the trade sector and support the best industry practices.All trade entities of the Republic of Kazakhstan can participate.How to participate?- Record a short video.- Post it on your page and tag the official page of the Ministry on Instagram (@saudagovkz).- Use the hashtag #saudadigitalnauryz.Results AnnouncementOn March 20, winners will be announced in the following categories:- Best Digital Design;- Best Digital Greeting;- Best Use of AI;- Most Creative Digital Project.Evaluation Criteria (KPIs)Competition entries will be evaluated according to the following key indicators (maximum — 100 points):- Use of artificial intelligence — 40 points;- Creativity — 20 points;- National identity — 20 points;- Audience engagement — 20 points;- Quality of execution — 20 points.March 23 — Award ceremony for the winners.Join the competition and show how digital technologies and artificial intelligence can make trade even more convenient and interesting!Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1174703?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1174795?lang=kk

Депутаты Мажилиса на пленарном заседании под председательством Спикера Палаты Ерлана Кошанова ратифицировали ряд международных документов, в том числе соглашение о сотрудничестве с организациями из Группы Всемирного Банка.Мажилис ратифицировал и направил в Сенат для дальнейшего рассмотрения Рамочное соглашение о партнёрстве между Правительством Республики Казахстан с одной стороны и Международным Банком Реконструкции и Развития, Международной Финансовой Корпорацией и Многосторонним Агентством Гарантии Инвестиций с другой стороны по расширению сотрудничества в целях содействия устойчивому развитию и росту Казахстана.По информации Заместителя Премьер-министра – министра национальной экономики Серика Жумангарина, документ предусматривает применение норм, отличных от национального законодательства, при реализации займов под государственную гарантию и грантовых проектов. В частности, предлагается использовать правила закупок товаров, работ и услуг, антикоррупционных, экологических, социальных, трудовых, гендерных стандартов и норм раскрытия информации Группы Всемирного Банка.Соглашение позволит расширить инструменты финансирования проектов и оптимизировать процедуры при их реализации, а также уменьшить нагрузку на бюджет за счёт перераспределения расходов государства на приоритетные проекты.– После вступления соглашения в силу начнётся работа по финансированию ряда инфраструктурных проектов. В их числе – реконструкция и строительство автомобильных дорог «Жезказган-Караганда» и «Бейнеу-Саксаульск», проект Трансформации железнодорожного сообщения и транспортной связности в Казахстане, строительство Камбаратинской ГЭС-1 и другие, – рассказал Серик Жумангарин.Как в содокладе отметил руководитель рабочей группы депутат Мажилиса Ерлан Стамбеков, в долгосрочной перспективе реализация проектов совместно со Всемирным Банком принесёт Казахстану создание новых рабочих мест, стимулирование инноваций, развитие частного сектора и МСБ, внедрение наилучших международных практик и улучшение инвестиционного климата.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/1174817?lang=kk

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov received copies of credentials from Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia Alkali Fanka Conteh, Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana Koma Steam Jehu-Appiah, Ambassador of the Republic of Mali Seydou Kamissoko, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Mohammad Nazrul Islam, and Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Shobini Gunasekera to the Republic of Kazakhstan (concurrently accredited).During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in the political, trade-economic and investment spheres.Kazakhstan is already actively cooperating with these countries within international organizations and platforms such as the United Nations and the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, building sustainable relations based on mutual interests.In this context, sectors of mutual interest for cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral formats include agriculture, light industry, education and healthcare. The interlocutors also discussed measures to diversify trade, enhance transport and logistics connectivity, and expand cooperation in energy, food security and digitalization.Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue their engagement aimed at further developing political dialogue, strengthening trade and economic cooperation, and enhancing interaction within multilateral frameworks.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1174838?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1171944?lang=kk