Majilis deputy and member of the People's Party of Kazakhstan faction Islam Sunkar visited the M. Auezov South Kazakhstan Research University as part of a working trip to the regions. At a meeting with the university's faculty and students Current issues in higher education and science were discussed. Specifically, they touched on enhancing the status of faculty, improving their social standing, improving mechanisms for supporting research, enhancing the quality of student education, and modernizing the educational process. Particular attention was paid to the issues of the size of scholarships, social support, provision of dormitories and the procedure for distributing educational grants. In turn, Islam Sunkar emphasized that the development of education and science is one of the strategic priorities of state policy, and also announced that the proposals received will be sent to the relevant government agencies and considered in the Majilis. At the end of the meeting, the parties noted the importance of open dialogue and expressed their readiness to further develop cooperation and maintain constructive interaction.

On January 10, the Republic of Kazakhstan marks the Day of the National Guard of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a professional holiday of servicemen standing guard over public order, citizens’ safety, and the rule of law. On this date, the results of service and combat activities over the past year are traditionally summed up.As is known, among the key tasks of the National Guard of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan are participation, jointly with internal affairs bodies, in maintaining public order, ensuring public security, as well as monitoring and supervising the behavior of persons held in institutions of the penal enforcement system.In 2025, while ensuring public order, servicemen of the law enforcement troops carried out 3,308 patrol and guard service missions and took part in securing 985 socio-political and other mass events across the country.During the performance of duties, nearly 18,000 offenders were detained and delivered to internal affairs bodies, including more than 700 persons with signs of criminal offenses. In the course of patrol and guard service, 308 units of bladed and firearms were seized, and 153 cases of narcotic substance seizure were recorded.Special attention in the activities of the National Guard is paid to ensuring the security of penal enforcement institutions. Guard units provide security for 39 penal institutions and one industrial facility, as well as escorting convicts and detainees along 10 railway and 25 road routes.Since the beginning of the year, 132 attempts to throw prohibited items over the main fences of penal institutions have been prevented. In addition, 45 attempts to transport prohibited items through transport checkpoints and 25 attempts to carry them through checkpoints of penal institutions were identified. During these incidents, about 100 civilians were detained.As a result of the measures taken, a total of 1,441 mobile phones, 689 SIM cards, 724 stabbing and cutting objects and bladed weapons, narcotic substances weighing about 2.7 kilograms, around 70 liters of alcohol-containing liquids, as well as cash totaling 423,797 tenge and 300 US dollars, were seized.In 2025, escort units transported about 75,000 convicts and detainees and ensured the conduct of more than two thousand court proceedings. For the first time, and under heightened security requirements, air escort operations for persons under special control were organized three times.The achieved results confirm the high level of professional training, discipline, and responsibility of the personnel of the National Guard of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Servicemen of the law enforcement troops will continue to conscientiously fulfill their assigned tasks, ensuring stability, security, and the rule of law in the country. Press Service of the National GuardMinistry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of KazakhstanSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kvv/press/news/details/1139165?lang=kk

Akorda hosted the ceremony to present the credentials to President of Kazakhstan by the U.S. ambassador.Speaking about Kazakh-American relations, the President underscored the importance of his visit to Washington, D.C., in November last year.“We had a friendly and at the same time substantive conversation with President Donald Trump. Recently, we had a productive telephone call on many issues related to bilateral cooperation. I am grateful for the invitation to attend the G20 Summit, which will be held in the United States at the end of this year. We will do our best to build on the momentum and enhance our strategic partnership in many areas,” the President stated.Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated the ambassador on the official start of  her diplomatic mission and conveyed his best wishes to President of the United States Donald Trump.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-washington/press/news/details/1139161?lang=kk

Almaty Zoo has launched an environmental campaign to collect used natural New Year’s trees.This initiative gives greenery a “second life” and helps improve animal welfare.After the New Year holidays, city residents are encouraged not to throw away live Christmas trees, but to bring them to the Almaty Zoo. The collected trees will be placed in animal enclosures and used to enrich their living environment.The trees will be used in the enclosures of deer, roe deer, yaks, wild boars, and other animals. Animals show great interest in new objects: they sniff the trees, taste them, pull at them, jump around, rub against the branches, and play with the bark. This stimulates their physical activity, reduces stress, and adds variety to their daily routine.This campaign is not only an environmental initiative, but also an educational effort that encourages people to treat nature with care and practice conscious consumption.Tree drop-off location:Service entrance of Almaty Zoo64 Ormanov Street, AlmatyCollection period: January 8–18Only natural, live trees are acceptedContact phone: +7 (701) 676-85-85Almaty Zoo invites city residents and guests to take part in the campaign and contribute to the protection of animals and the environment.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almaty-almaly/press/news/details/1139146?lang=kk

Ljubljana, 9 January 2026 – The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Slovenia, Altay Abibullayev, held a meeting with the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia responsible for European affairs, international law, protection of interests and economic diplomacy, Neva Grašič.During the meeting, the Ambassador provided a detailed briefing on the key messages of the Head of State, as outlined in the interview with the newspaper Türkistan published on 5 January 2026, as well as on the decision to designate 2026 in Kazakhstan as the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence.The parties engaged in substantive discussions on current issues of bilateral trade, economic and investment cooperation, reviewed preparations for the 5th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, and exchanged views on plans to hold the Digital Bridge Forum in Ljubljana. The Forum is envisaged as a practical platform for interaction among relevant government bodies, business communities and expert circles of both countries in the fields of digital transformation and artificial intelligence.The sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in deepening cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, including engagement with leading Slovenian companies well established on the Kazakh market, such as Krka and Lek, as well as in expanding broader cooperation in healthcare and medical technologies.In discussing transit, transport and logistics cooperation, the Ambassador underscored Kazakhstan’s key potential as one of the major transit hubs of the Eurasian space and outlined the measures being undertaken by the Government of Kazakhstan to develop modern transport and logistics infrastructure, including railway and multimodal routes. In this context, particular emphasis was placed on the importance of participation in the development of the Middle Corridor, as well as on the diversification of transport routes linked to the Slovenian seaport Port of Luka Koper, which represents a critical node for enhancing supply chain resilience and expanding logistics opportunities for European countries without direct access to the open sea.The diplomats also addressed topical aspects of bilateral energy cooperation. The Slovenian side expressed interest in establishing cooperation in the aerospace sector and nanotechnologies, highlighting the importance of scientific and technological collaboration and the exchange of expertise.With a view to creating solid and long-term legal foundations for Kazakh–Slovenian partnership, the parties reached a principled understanding on further expanding the bilateral legal framework. This includes work on an Agreement on the Promotion and Mutual Protection of Investments, a new Agreement on Visa-Free Travel for Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports, as well as the organization of consular consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries.The meeting confirmed the shared commitment of Kazakhstan and Slovenia to strengthening a forward-looking, pragmatic and mutually beneficial partnership grounded in the principles of reciprocity, trust and long-term cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-ljubljana/press/news/details/1139148?lang=kk

Mons, 9 January 2026 — Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belgium Roman Vassilenko held a meeting with the Rector of the University of Mons (Université de Mons — UMONS), Professor Philippe Dubois. The parties discussed the expansion of cooperation in higher education, academic mobility, and applied scientific research.UMONS is one of Belgium’s leading research-oriented universities, with around 12,000 students, international academic programmes, and active scientific cooperation with partners in more than 50 countries. The university is represented in global academic rankings based on indicators of international publications and cooperation, and is recognised for the quality of its scientific citations and joint research initiatives.Ambassador Vassilenko noted that Kazakhstan is shaping an open academic environment and increasingly attracting foreign universities. Today, the country hosts around 40 foreign and joint universities, as well as double-degree programmes, creating broad opportunities for international mobility of students and researchers.“Kazakhstan is interested in practical forms of cooperation — from academic mobility to applied research and technological interaction. We see interest from Belgian students and professors, and view this dynamic as promising,” the Ambassador stressed.UMONS already cooperates with Kazakhstani universities in the field of academic mobility. Starting in February 2026, five UMONS students will spend a semester at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, studying languages, culture and participating in inter-university academic programmes. Kazakhstani students, in turn, are currently studying at UMONS at the Faculty of Languages.Professor Dubois highlighted the university’s interest in broadening cooperation: “We are interested in developing partnerships with Kazakhstani universities not only in exchanges, but also in science. UMONS has international experience in research projects, and we see potential for expanding such cooperation with Kazakhstan.”Following the talks, the Kazakh delegation visited Materia Nova, an applied research and technology transfer centre established within UMONS. The centre specialises in the development of innovative materials, coatings and polymers, as well as in transferring technologies to industry. Materia Nova brings together nearly 100 researchers and cooperates with over 300 external experts, making it one of Europe’s significant research players in the field of materials science.The parties expressed interest in expanding cooperation in academic mobility and applied research, and discussed the possibility of a visit by UMONS leadership to Kazakhstan to hold focused meetings with universities and scientific institutions.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-brussels/press/news/details/1139152?lang=kk

Astana, January 6, 2026 – A meeting was held between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev and Chairman of the Management Board of JSC NC KazMunayGas Askhat Khassenov.During the meeting, the parties discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the country’s foreign policy agency and KazMunayGas on the development of export routes for Kazakh hydrocarbons, the attraction of foreign investment and advanced technologies to the domestic energy sector, as well as the implementation of projects involving international companies.Chairman Khassenov expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan for its effective support in promoting the interests of the national oil and gas company abroad.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1139153?lang=kk

Following the publication of the interview of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Turkistan newspaper, representatives of the tourism industry of East Kazakhstan Region reviewed the key messages of the interview and shared their professional assessments regarding regional development and the tourism sector.Experts noted that the interview places particular emphasis on sustainable socio-economic development, investment growth, and improving the quality of life, all of which are directly linked to the development of tourism in the regions.According to representatives of the tour operator community, accommodation facilities, tourist bases, the hotel business, and sectoral organizations, the priorities outlined in the interview confirm the need for:a systematic approach to the development of regional tourism;accelerated development of engineering and transport infrastructure;active attraction of investments into the tourism sector;support for local entrepreneurial initiatives;comprehensive promotion of regional tourism potential.It was also emphasized that East Kazakhstan Region possesses significant natural and tourism potential and, with the consistent implementation of the outlined approaches, can be considered one of the country’s most promising tourism regions.The opinions and assessments of industry representatives have been reflected in the information space, including social networks and media platforms, where professional discussions on the future development of tourism continue.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/tourism-vko/press/news/details/1139136?lang=kk

On January 9, 2026, a round table was held to discuss current and pressing issues related to the development of the tourism sector.During the event, participants reviewed key aspects affecting the quality and sustainable development of tourism, including ensuring tourist safety, the condition of engineering and utility infrastructure at tourist facilities, transport accessibility, and interagency cooperation.Within the framework of the discussion, existing problem areas hindering the development of the tourism sector were highlighted, and possible solutions were proposed, including organizational, infrastructural, and regulatory measures.As a result of the round table, it was decided to systematize all identified problem issues and submit them to the central government bodies for further consideration and decision-making.Holding such events contributes to the development of coordinated approaches aimed at creating safe and comfortable conditions for tourists, as well as ensuring the sustainable development of the region’s tourism industry.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/tourism-vko/press/news/details/1139138?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1139110?lang=kk

On January 9, 2026, at the premises of the Ust-Kamenogorsk City Department of State Revenue, an Open House Day was held for the public as part of the national campaign “People’s Accountant.”During the event, representatives of the East Kazakhstan Regional Department of State Revenue and the Ust-Kamenogorsk City Department of State Revenue, together with professional accountant Svetlana Osikova from the PO “Accounting” (ПОБ «Учёт»), provided advisory support to taxpayers.During the meeting, specialists from the state revenue authorities explained provisions of the new Tax Code, procedures for submitting tax reports, transitional rules for special tax regimes, issues related to VAT registration and deregistration, as well as features of working with information systems. Participants received detailed answers to the most relevant and frequently asked questions.Special attention was given to inquiries from taxpayers operating in the taxi industry. The greatest interest was shown in questions regarding the transition to the self-employed regime, including registration procedures, taxation, and fulfillment of tax obligations.At the end of the event, participants expressed their gratitude to the staff of the state revenue authorities.The “People’s Accountant” campaign contributes to the development of a service-oriented approach in the work of the state revenue authorities, increases public tax literacy, and helps prevent violations of tax legislation.The campaign is ongoing and will continue until June 30, 2026. Consultations for taxpayers will be held regularly according to the approved schedule: in January–February — on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and starting from March — twice a week. Consultations are held at: Ust-Kamenogorsk, N. Nazarbayev Ave., 86, 3rd floor, Ust-Kamenogorsk City Department of State Revenue. For taxpayers from other cities and districts of the region, there is an option to receive consultations via video call at the phone number: 8 771 123 80 84.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-vko/press/news/details/1139071?lang=kk

An extraordinary session of the Kostanay City Maslikhat of the eighth convocation was held under the chairmanship of Arman Ismailov, who temporarily exercises the powers of chairman of the Maslikhat. During the session, topical issues of the socio-economic development of the city were considered, as well as relevant decisions were made on the agenda items. The participants discussed the priority areas of further work and outlined the tasks for the coming period.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-kalasy-akimat/press/news/details/1139072?lang=kk

Today, on January 9, the Department of State Revenue for Kostanay region held a seminar with healthcare institutions Today, on January 9, the Department of State Revenue for Kostanay region held an explanatory seminar with representatives of healthcare organizations on the new Tax Code, with a separate focus on changes in value added tax (VAT). During the meeting, key innovations that are important for medical institutions to take into account right now were discussed in detail.The main changes in VAT for medical institutions from 2026:  The threshold for mandatory VAT registration is being lowered From January 1, 2026, the VAT threshold is 10,000 MCI, which requires more precise turnover control.  Turnover control has been strengthened when planning transactions that exceed the threshold, and an application for VAT must be submitted before the turnover is completed.  The deadline for submitting an application has been changed. If the threshold is exceeded, the application is submitted within 5 working days, and failure to comply with the deadline entails administrative liability.  VAT exemption requires careful assessment. Certain types of medical services are exempt from VAT, however, the application of the exemption depends on the nature of the activity and the tax regime.  During the seminar, practical situations, typical mistakes were considered and recommendations were made to reduce tax risks. Such meetings are aimed at explaining the changes and forming a correct understanding of taxpayers' tax obligations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-kostanay/press/news/details/1138993?lang=kk

When transferring to the simplified declaration regime in connection with the introduction of the new Tax Code, cases of refusals to accept notifications on the transition of taxpayers to this regime have become more frequent. Refusals are formed by the information system of the State Revenue Committee due to non-compliance of the declared type of economic activity (OKED) with the requirements of the General Classifier of Types of Economic Activities.The reason for refusal is the use by taxpayers of OKED codes that have been changed or excluded from the classifier. In particular, the orders of the Committee for Technical Regulation and Metrology of the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan from October 16, 2023 № 393-NҚ and from November 28, 2023 № 468-NҚ approved changes № 2 and № 3 to the TC RK 03-2019 “General Classifier of Economic Activities”, which came into force on April 1, 2024.Thus, OKED code 86900 is abolished and replaced by codes 86901 and 86909, code 62022 is excluded from the classifier, etc.In this regard, taxpayers before submitting a notice of transition to the regime must bring the registration data in accordance with the current version of the OKED classifier by submitting the following documents:- individual entrepreneurs - notification of the start of activity as an individual entrepreneur (change of registration data);- legal entities - applications for making changes in information through the registration authorities or through the Cabinet of correspondent of the system “E-statistics”.After actualization of the type of economic activity and in case of compliance with all the conditions for application of the simplified tax return, the taxpayer has the right to resubmit the notification on the applied taxation regime.We remind you that in order to apply the simplified declaration regime, the notification of transition to this regime must be submitted not later than March 1, 2026. In case of failure to submit such notification, the taxpayer will be recognized as applying the generally established taxation regime from January 1, 2026Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-zhetysu/press/news/details/1139304?lang=kk

Liability for false declaration of goods In accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 551 of the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated July 05, 2014 "On Administrative Offenses" non-declaration or false customs declaration of goods transported or displaced across the customs border of the Eurasian Economic Union, that is, failure to appear in the prescribed form or application by the declarant, customs representative authorized by the economic operator in the customs declarations and other documents required for customs purposes, false information about goods, the chosen customs procedure, the customs value or the country of origin of the goods, or a statement of other false information giving grounds for exemption from customs duties, taxes or underestimation of the amount of customs duties, taxes, special, anti-dumping, countervailing duties, or entailing non-fulfillment or improper fulfillment of the obligation to pay them, except in cases provided for in other articles of this Article. chapters, if this action does not contain signs of a criminally punishable act, entails a fine in the amount of twenty-five percent of the amount of unpaid customs duties, taxes, special, anti-dumping, countervailing duties. Acts committed repeatedly within a year after the imposition of an administrative penalty entail a fine in the amount of fifty percent of the amount of unpaid customs duties, taxes, special, anti–dumping, countervailing duties. Non–declaration or unreliable declaration by individuals of funds and monetary instruments transported across the customs border of the Eurasian Economic Union and subject to written declaration - entails a fine in the amount of twenty-five percent of the undeclared or unreliably declared amount of cash and (or) the value of monetary instruments with confiscation of undeclared or unreliably declared funds and monetary instruments. An unreliable statement of information about goods transported or displaced across the customs border of the Eurasian Economic Union in an application for the release of goods before submitting a declaration for goods or in an application for operations involving temporarily exported international transportation vehicles that are goods placed under the customs procedure of temporary import (admission), that is, failure to appear in the prescribed form or a statement by a person in the specified documents of false information about the goods, the chosen customs procedure, customs value or statement of other false information entailing underestimation of the amount of customs duties, taxes, special, anti–dumping, countervailing duties – entails a fine for individuals in the amount of thirty, for small businesses or non–profit organizations – in the amount of fifty, for medium-sized businesses - in the amount of eighty, for large businesses - in the amount of in the amount of one hundred and fifty monthly calculation indices.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-kostanay/press/news/details/1138983?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1138987?lang=kk

Christmas Day celebration on 7.01.2025 in the chapel of the village of Parygino "Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary" presented Christmas gifts to children.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/vko-altay-parygin/press/news/details/1138873?lang=kk

Today, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Akim of the district Berik Sarmenbayev, where issues of digitalization and development of artificial intelligence were considered. During the meeting, the Akim of the district dwelled on the work carried out in the direction of digitalization in the district. Today, the entire settlement in the district is provided with internet and mobile internet. According to the format of digital offices in 2025, the district branch of the state corporation "government for citizens" was transferred to the format of digital public service offices. 1359 types of public services are provided through the front office in accordance with modern requirements. In 2025, the Department of employment and social programs of the district, on the basis of the applications of residents of the district through the programs "e-SOBEs", "social assistance", provided about 3000 services, is in the queue for the privatization of housing provided from the state housing fund.26 citizens were served through the internet portal" KZ". At the Mazhilis, the Akim of the district instructed all departments and institutions to improve digital systems to improve the quality of services and ensure transparency.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kyzylorda-syrdarya/press/news/details/1138878?lang=kk

      Citizen Service Centers (CSCs) continue to implement modern digital solutions aimed at improving the accessibility and convenience of government services. One such solution is a parcel terminal for issuing ready-made documents, allowing residents to pick them up at any convenient time.The service's popularity is growing annually. In 2024, residents of Semey received 85 documents through the terminal, and in 2025, this figure increased more than 11-fold to 946 documents, clearly demonstrating the demand and effectiveness of this digital solution.There is currently one CSC terminal in the Abay region, located in Semey at Block 408, Building 21. The terminal operates 24/7, allowing residents to pick up documents without being tied to CSC opening hours.To receive documents through the terminal, please notify the specialist of your choice of this method of collection when submitting your application at the front office. After submitting documents to the parcel terminal, the applicant receives an SMS notification with the application number, six-digit access code, storage period, and device address.To collect documents, simply enter the received code on the parcel terminal screen and undergo biometric identification. Once identity is confirmed, a personal locker with the completed document is automatically opened.The parcel terminal offers access to 19 popular government services, including the issuance of duplicate civil status certificates and archival certificates, duplicate real estate title deeds, educational certificates of all levels, as well as the apostille of official documents and the registration of pledges of movable property not subject to mandatory state registration.The growing number of users confirms that parcel terminals are becoming a convenient and popular tool for receiving government services for residents of Semey.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/abay-kurchatov/press/news/details/1138966?lang=kk

Вице-министр национальной экономики Бауыржан Омарбеков провёл приём граждан в общественной приёмной Центрального аппарата партии «Amanat». В ходе встречи были обсуждены актуальные вопросы социально-экономического развития сельских территорий и малых городов.Заявители обратились с инициативами, касающимися участия в проекте «С дипломом в село!», финансирования проектов в рамках программы «Ауыл - Ел бесігі», а также возможности включения моногородов и прилегающих к ним населённых пунктов в проект «Ауыл аманаты».Бауыржан Омарбеков напомнил, что проект «Ауыл аманаты» реализуется с 2023 года по поручению Главы государства и направлен на повышение доходов сельского населения. Основным инструментом поддержки являются бюджетные микрокредиты, способствующие развитию агробизнеса, предпринимательства и сельскохозяйственной кооперации, включая личные подсобные, крестьянские и фермерские хозяйства, а также перерабатывающие предприятия.В ходе обсуждения Бауыржан Омарбеков отметил, что проект «Ауыл аманаты» уже показывает устойчивые результаты. Так, в 2023–2024 годах в рамках проекта выдано более 17 тысяч микрокредитов на сумму 116 млрд тенге, что позволило создать свыше 19,7 тыс. новых рабочих мест на селе. В 31 малом городе профинансировано 565 проектов на сумму 3,7 млрд тенге. По состоянию на 1 декабря 2025 года одобрено около 1 тыс. проектов на сумму 10,2 млрд тенге, из которых 667 уже профинансированы на 6,8 млрд тенге.При этом было отмечено, что расширение проекта на моногорода требует дополнительного бюджетного финансирования и увеличивает нагрузку на республиканский бюджет. В этой связи целесообразно рассматривать поддержку малого бизнеса и предоставление льготных микрокредитов в моногородах в рамках других отраслевых программ, включая «Іскер аймақ». Вместе с тем вице-министр сообщил, что вопрос возможного участия моногородов в проекте «Ауыл аманаты» будет дополнительно проработан.Также в ходе приёма был поднят вопрос о возможности распространения программы «С дипломом в село!» на малые города. Бауыржан Омарбеков пояснил, что расширение программы может привести к оттоку специалистов из сельской местности. В связи с этим на текущий момент она реализуется исключительно в сельских населённых пунктах.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/1138969?lang=kk