Budapest, March 20, 2026 – The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hungary hosted a meeting with representatives of the International Diplomatic Student Association (IDSA), which brings together students interested in international relations and diplomacy.During the meeting, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Hungary Abzal Saparbekuly presented Kazakhstan’s history, foreign policy priorities, and the main areas of Kazakhstan–Hungary cooperation. He also spoke about the Embassy’s day-to-day work and the specifics of diplomatic service.Members of the association asked questions about Kazakhstan’s positions on current international issues. Students also received advice from the Ambassador regarding his professional path and experience in diplomacy.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-budapest/press/news/details/1222876?lang=kk

Szolnok, 26 April 2026 - At the invitation of the Hungarian Chefs’ Association “Étrend,” the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Hungary, Abzal Saparbekuly, participated as an honorary guest in the culinary competition “Dish of Hungary 2026” (“Magyarország Étele 2026”), held within the framework of the 5th Hungarian Gastronomy Day (“Magyar Gasztronómia Napja”) in the city of Szolnok.The event brought together leading representatives of Hungary’s gastronomic sector, including chefs, pastry chefs, bartenders, producers, educators, and students of specialized educational institutions.As part of the extensive program, several prestigious professional competitions were held, including “Dish of Hungary” (“Magyarország Étele”), “Szamos Plate Dessert” (“Szamos Tányérdesszert”), “Drink of Hungary” (“Magyarország Itala”), “Agrotourism Dish” (“Agroturizmus Étele”), as well as the competition “Young Master of the Profession” (“Szakma Ifjú Mestere”).The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan presented a dedicated national stand featuring traditional Kazakh cuisine, which attracted significant interest from guests, participants, and members of the professional community. Visitors showed particular interest in Kazakhstan’s gastronomic traditions, noting the richness of flavors, originality, and deep cultural symbolism of Kazakh cuisine.In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Abzal Saparbekuly emphasized that national cuisine constitutes a vital element of hospitality and an integral part of the cultural heritage of the Kazakh people. He noted that gastronomy serves as an effective instrument of cultural diplomacy, contributing to the strengthening of mutual understanding, friendship, and trust between nations.The Ambassador also highlighted that the Kazakh side is participating in this event for the second time, which reflects the high level of mutual interest and the successful development of cultural and humanitarian ties between Kazakhstan and Hungary. In this regard, he expressed sincere appreciation to the Hungarian Chefs’ Association “Étrend” for the invitation, warm hospitality, and the excellent organization of the event.In conclusion, he reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s interest in further expanding bilateral cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, including the promotion of national traditions, gastronomic heritage, and the development of people-to-people diplomacy.Following the event, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan presented commemorative gifts to the participants on behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hungary, expressing gratitude to the organizers and participants for their contribution to the development of international cultural dialogue.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-budapest/press/news/details/1222877?lang=kk

In connection with the false information disseminated in the information space about the alleged mass blocking of bank accounts of participants in foreign economic activity who imported hybrid vehicles from China, the State Revenue Committee reports the following.Notifications of violations have been sent to taxpayers' personal accounts to participants in foreign economic activity who have submitted false information during the customs declaration of hybrid vehicles of the BYD brand.At the same time, the notifications relate exclusively to 623 vehicles issued by 450 participants in foreign economic activity, which does not correspond to the disseminated information about the massive nature of these measures.Measures to limit spending operations on bank accounts within the framework of current legislation have been applied only to 45 legal entities and individual entrepreneurs.The reason for the control measures was the increased frequency of statements of false information about the 30-minute power of the electric motor of hybrid vehicles, which influenced the illegal receipt of exemption from customs duties.For the purpose of objective control, information on the factory technical characteristics of vehicles transmitted by an official representative of the BYD brand has been submitted to the territorial divisions of the state revenue authorities for further verification of the accuracy of the claimed data.The State Revenue Committee urges citizens and participants in foreign economic activity to trust only official sources of information and refrain from spreading unverified information. (unofficial translation)Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-mangistau/press/news/details/1223222?lang=kk

President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered remarks at the Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States held in Turkistan. Welcoming the participants to the spiritual capital of the Turkic world, the Head of State highlighted Turkistan’s special historical and civilizational significance for the brotherly nations.In his address, President Tokayev noted that amid a complex and unstable geopolitical environment, the unity of Turkic states is of particular importance. He stressed the need to intensify economic and investment cooperation and to consolidate efforts for common progress. In this context, the Summit’s theme - “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development” - was described as highly timely and relevant.The President emphasized that digital transformation and the introduction of artificial intelligence are essential to ensuring the sustainable advancement of the Turkic world. He outlined Kazakhstan’s key steps in this area, including the declaration of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, the opening of the Alem.ai International Center for Artificial Intelligence in Astana, the launch of two supercomputers, and the start of work on the “Valley of Data Centers” project. He also referred to the adoption of the Digital Code and the entry into force of the Law on Artificial Intelligence.During the Summit, President Tokayev put forward a number of practical initiatives. These included joint work on the mutual recognition of electronic documents and digital signatures among OTS member states, broader cooperation in satellite communications, navigation and monitoring, and the establishment of a Network of Artificial Intelligence Centers of Turkic Countries. Kazakhstan also expressed its readiness to provide special grants for citizens of Turkic states at the planned University of Artificial Intelligence.Special attention was given to the development of a regional innovation ecosystem. The President proposed the creation of a joint IT hub of the Organization’s member states under the name Turkic AI, which could be based at the Alem.ai center. According to the Head of State, this initiative would advance the shared interests of Turkic countries in the fields of high technology and the digital economy.President Tokayev also underscored that in the age of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, the preservation of spiritual and cultural values remains critically important. In this regard, he called for support for the development of a Convention on the Preservation of the Heritage of Turkic Civilization, as well as the creation of a multilingual Digital Platform bringing together materials on the history and culture of Turkic peoples. The President further announced the decision to establish a Center of Turkic Civilization in Turkistan, which will serve as a platform for joint research, cultural projects and educational programs.Concluding his remarks, the President of Kazakhstan emphasized that the Organization of Turkic States is neither a geopolitical project nor a military alliance. Rather, it is a unique platform aimed at strengthening trade, high-tech, digital, cultural and humanitarian cooperation among brotherly nations. President Tokayev expressed confidence that the decisions made at the meeting would contribute to the continued dynamic development of the Turkic states.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-budapest/press/news/details/1222916?lang=kk

📌 The State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan announces the operation of the VAT declaration pre-filling service (Tax Reporting Form 300.00).ℹ️ Detailed information about the principles of data generation, updates, and specific features of using the service is presented in the carousel.💡 The service is designed to improve taxpayer convenience and is used for verification and informational purposes when completing the tax declaration.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-vko/press/news/details/1222683?lang=kk

In the 4 months of 2026, 1041 tax audits were conducted, which is 0,7% less than in the same period last year (2025 -1126 audits).According to the results of inspections for the reporting period, additional taxes and penalties were assessed in the amount of  718.2 million tenge.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-sko/press/news/details/1222711?lang=kk

The Unified Accumulative Pension Fund (UAPF) provides a variety of digital services to Kazakhstanis and continues to develop them, adapting to client needs. These services help citizens plan their financial future by building their pension capital. Their 24/7 availability on the website and in the mobile app is a key factor in increasing contributor interest. From January 1, 2026, to March 31, 2026, the Fund provided 17.7 million services to the population. Of these, 8.6 million were provided electronically, and 8.8 million were automated. Thus, the share of automated, electronic, and remote services amounted to 98.9% of the total. A total of 200,900 services were provided in person, including 194,900 directly at the Fund's offices.As a reminder, all pension accounts are opened with the UAPF automatically upon receipt of the first contribution. Also, target requirements are automatically accrued to citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan who have not reached the age of 18, and target savings accounts (TSA) are opened to record and pay out target savings to adult recipients of target savings under the National Fund for Children program.During the reporting period, the total number of automatically opened individual pension savings accounts (IPSAs) for all types of individual pension contributions, as well as notional pension accounts (NPAs) for recording employer’scompulsory pension contributions (ECPCs) transferred by employers from their own funds, and targeted savings accounts (TSAs, opened to record and pay out targeted savings to recipients of targeted savings under the "National Fund for Children" program) totaled 690,400.Getting statements from IPSAs, NPAs, and TSAs remains the most popular service. Since the beginning of the year, more than 9.0 million statements have been issued for all account types, 8.0 million of which were electronic and 956.4 million statements were issued automatically. The UAPF reminds everyone that accessing account status information through your personal account is the most convenient, reliable, and timely way to monitor your pension savings. The service operates online 24/7, allowing you to receive up-to-date information at any time and from anywhere. Account status information is available not only through the UAPF mobile app and your personal account on the UAPF website, but also through the egov.kz portal or the e-government mobile app. This provides additional convenience for users who prefer to interact with government services through a single platform. However, receiving information about your pension savings by mail is still possible by submitting a request to the UAPF address. In addition to receiving statements in their personal account on the website and in the mobile app, contributors (beneficiaries) can use services such as making changes and additions to their account details, obtaining a certificate of account availability, submitting an application for permanent pension benefits due to disability of Groups 1 or 2 or upon reaching the age of 50 through voluntary pension contributions, tracking the status of payment applications, transferring a portion of pension savings to investment portfolio managers (IPMs), and calculating a projected future pension using a pension calculator. Over the three months since the beginning of 2026, 28.4 thousand applications for account changes were received, 26.6 thousand of which were submitted at the Fund's offices. When applying for a service from UAPF specialists, contributors typically receive additional consultations and advice on savings management. As part of its outreach efforts, 14,700 roadside presentations were held, attended by 296,000 people. The number of materials published in the media based on UAPF announcements amounted to 9,900. The number of inquiries received from contributors and beneficiaries through feedback channels (call center, website consultations, instant messaging, social media, and other communication channels) amounted to 115,500.As a reminder, any company can request an on-site presentation and consultation on the funded pension system by simply calling the call center at 1418 or contacting the Fund through its website or mobile app.UAPF consulting services can be obtained through instant messengers (chat bot in WhatsApp and Viber at +7 777 000 14 18), call center at 1418 (free call within Kazakhstan), on the corporate website enpf.kz, as well as on the official UAPF pages on social networks Instagram, Facebook, VKontakte, Telegram, Odnoklassniki.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-rudnyi-kalasy-akimat/press/news/details/1226073?lang=ru

 Please tell us more about voluntary pension contributions.  Kazakhstan's funded pension system includes the following types of contributions: compulsory contributions (10% of an employee's salary, deducted monthly by the employer), compulsory occupational pension contributions (5% of the income of workers in hazardous occupations, paid by the employer from their own budget), and employer’s compulsory pension contributions (ECPC) starting in 2024 for all employees born in 1975 and later (from 1.5% in 2024, gradually increasing to 5% in 2028). There are also voluntary pension contributions (VPC), which can be made by both individuals and legal entities. Individuals contribute for themselves and/or their loved ones from their own income, while legal entities contribute for their employees and/or third parties. It's worth noting that citizens pay VPC voluntarily, independently determining the amount and frequency of contributions. This is one of the advantages of this type of contribution. Please tell me how I can make voluntary pension contributions? Can my employer do this? Voluntary pension contributions (VPC) can be made by both individuals and legal entities. Individuals contribute for themselves and/or their dependents from their own income, while legal entities contribute for their employees and/or third parties. Voluntary pension contributions can be transferred through second-tier banks or by submitting an application to the employer, who will then transfer the contributions to the UAPF for the stated benefit. An IPSA for VPC accounting is opened automatically without an application based on:- lists of individuals submitted by agents to the UAPF when transferring VPC;- an initial contribution received by the UAPF from an individual for themselves or for a third party when transferring VPC.      How and when can I start receiving benefits through voluntary pension contributions?         Pension benefits through the VPC can be received before reaching retirement age, starting at age 50. They are also provided to individuals with disabilities, as well as foreigners and stateless persons who have permanently resided outside the Republic of Kazakhstan, unless otherwise provided by the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan and international treaties ratified by the Republic of Kazakhstan. We remind you that individuals who have reached the age of fifty or who have a disability can apply to the UAPF for VPC benefits through their personal account on the UAPF website or mobile app, as well as at a Fund office. Detailed information on the VPC payment procedure is available on the UAPF website in the "Services"/"VPC Benefits" section. You can easily monitor your pension savings from all types of contributions 24/7 in your personal account on the enpf.kz website.In what cases are pension benefits from voluntary pension contributions assigned automatically? In accordance with amendments to the Social Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which provide for pension benefits from the VPC in the manner and under the conditions specified in the VPC pension agreement and the UAPF pension rules, a no-application procedure for pension benefits from the VPC has been introduced since March 2026 for individuals who have reached retirement age and who have pension savings in the UAPF through the VPC and who have not previously applied to the UAPF for payment due to reaching the age of fifty or disability.The no-application procedure for pension payments from the VPC (if any) provides for: automatic assignment of UAPF pension benefit payments from the VPC upon application to the State Corporation in the prescribed manner for a pension from the state budget and payments from compulsory pension contributions (CPC) and/or compulsory occupational pension contributions (COPC) in connection with reaching retirement age; pension benefit payments from the VPC as part of a proactive service based on the annual verification with the State Corporation of the availability of budget-funded old-age pension payments and/or state basic pension payments for the specified individuals in the information system of the authorized body in the field of social protection.The non-declaration procedure was adopted to establish a unified approach to pension benefit payments from the UAPF for individuals who have reached retirement age. This innovation optimizes pension payments from the VPC and eliminates the risk of unclaimed pension savings from the VPC by individuals who have reached the generally established retirement age and who have not previously applied to the UAPF for payment due to reaching the age of fifty or disability.Pension benefits from the VPC will be made in a lump sum if the amount of pension savings from the VPC does not exceed twelve times the minimum pension established by the law on the republican budget and in effect as of January 1 of the corresponding financial year (in 2026 – 828,588 tenge (12 * 69,049)) or until the pension savings are depleted, according to a monthly schedule, combined with payments from mandatory contributions. However, the recipient may apply to the UAPF to change the terms of VPC payments. Are voluntary pension contributions inherited? In the event of the death of an individual with pension savings, including those from voluntary pension contributions, they are inherited in accordance with the procedure established by Kazakhstan law. Specifically, pension savings are inherited by will or by law. If there is no will or if the will only determines the fate of the entire inheritance, as well as in other cases, then inheritance by law takes effect. 6) Are voluntary pension contributions invested? Can they be transferred to investment portfolio managers?Voluntary pension contributions, like all types of compulsory contributions, are invested and generate income for contributors. By default, pension assets are managed by the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan. However, contributors have the right to transfer pension savings to investment portfolio managers (IPMs), which offer various investment strategies with varying levels of return and risk. While compulsory and compulsory occupational pension savings can be transferred to IPMs up to 50%, voluntary pension savings can be transferred to IPMs for management in full.The transfer of IPM savings occurs upon the contributor's application, which can be submitted electronically through their personal account on the fund's website or at any UAPF branch. Based on investment results, the management company can be changed, but no more than once a year. Thus, participation in pension asset management is another advantage of VPC.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-mendykarin-audany-akimat/press/news/details/1222730?lang=kk

The State Institution “Department of Employment and Social Programs of the City of Kurchatov” announces the holding of the “Enbek Zholy” competition in three nominations: “Best Labor Dynasty”, “Best Young Industrial Worker”, and “Best Mentor of Working Youth”.We kindly ask you to submit candidates for participation in the competition under the three nominations to the State Institution “Department of Employment and Social Programs of the City of Kurchatov” via e-mail: centr-zan@mail.ru no later than May 26 of the current year.The following materials shall be submitted for participation in the competition:an application for participation in the competition in free form indicating the nomination;a copy of the identity document;a video clip on the nomination topic not exceeding 1–2 minutes (including demonstration of the workplace and professional skills, if desired);a computer presentation about the contestant not exceeding 1 minute (in Microsoft PowerPoint format), including information about work, family, interests, hobbies, etc.;a copy of the employment record book and other documents confirming the work experience of each representative of the labor dynasty or employee, certified by the employer (certificate from the workplace);a letter of recommendation from the employer or trade union.If available, copies of the following documents may also be attached:copies of state or departmental awards, certificates of honor, letters of appreciation;certificates of advanced training and professional development.Documents for the competition shall be submitted in the state or Russian languages.Attachment: Methodological Recommendations for Conducting the “Enbek Zholy” Competition.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/abay-kurchatov/press/news/details/1222746?lang=kk

The competition is held in accordance with Decree No. 523 of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated January 23, 2008 throughout the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Private business entities may participate in the competition.The titles of competition laureates are awarded in two categories: small and medium-sized business entities and large business entities in the following nominations:“Best Socially Responsible Enterprise”;“Best Enterprise in the Field of Labor Protection”;“Best Collective Agreement”;“For Contribution to Ecology”.For additional information please call: 3-24-77E-mail: centr-zan@mail.ruSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/abay-kurchatov/press/news/details/1222754?lang=kk

In accordance with subparagraph 5) of Article 9 of the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, charitable assistance is property provided free of charge, including:in the form of sponsorship;in the form of social support for an individual;to an individual who suffered as a result of an emergency;a non-profit organization to support its statutory activities;organizations operating in the social sphere;a specialized organization of persons with disabilities in accordance with the Social Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.According to article 371 of the Code, the income of an individual includes all types of income received (to be received) both in the Republic of Kazakhstan and abroad during the tax period, including income:taxable at-source payments;subject to independent taxation by an individual.According to subparagraph 3 of paragraph 2 of Article 371 of the Code, income in the form of gratuitously received property is included in the annual income of an individual.At the same time, in accordance with Article 433 of the Code, income in the form of gratuitously received property, which is subject to taxation at the source of payment, is reduced by the value of property received in the form of charitable and sponsorship assistance.Thus, property (including monetary funds) provided to an individual as part of charitable or sponsorship assistance is not subject to individual income tax and social payments, regardless of whether there is an employment relationship with the organization providing such assistance.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-sko/press/news/details/1222538?lang=kk

Dear residents and visitors of the city!Due to warranty road surface restoration works on Abay Avenue, from Tauelsizdik Street to the Karbyshev overpass, partial traffic restrictions will be in effect from May 18 to May 27, 2026.We kindly ask you to plan your routes in advance.We apologize for the temporary inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-kalasy-akimat/press/news/details/1222543?lang=kk

On some issues of export of petroleum products from the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan      In accordance with subparagraph 11) of paragraph 1 of Article 6 and subparagraph 1) paragraph 2 of Article 22 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On National Security of the Republic of Kazakhstan", Article 18 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the Regulation of Trade Activities" and in accordance with Article 29 of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union, as well as Section 10 of Annex 7 to the above-mentioned Treaty, I ORDER:                        To impose a ban for a period of six months for the period from May 21, 2026 to November 21, 2026 on exports from the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, including to the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union.:1) motor transport of gasoline, diesel fuel and certain types of petroleum products (codes of the commodity nomenclature of foreign economic activity of the Eurasian Economic Union 2709 00, 2710, 2902, 3403, 3811, 3826 00), with the exception of lubricating oils (codes of the commodity nomenclature of foreign economic activity of the Eurasian Economic Union 2710 19 820 0, 2710 19 840 0, 2710 19 860 0, 2710 19 880 0, 2710 19 920 0, 2710 19 940 0, 2710 19 980 0, 3403 19 900 0, 3403 91 000 0), except for export in fuel tanks, the export of aviation fuel provided by the automobile vehicle manufacturer, no more than once a day, for research work on the selection of additives, qualification and laboratory tests of samples from a pilot batch for the purpose of industrial production, approval and (or) re-approval of the technology of industrial production of aviation fuel (jet fuel engines), subject to agreement with the authorized body in the field of production of petroleum products and the availability of a contract with the organization, authorized to carry out the above-mentioned work and a letter indicating the number of samples (samples) and volumes of aviation fuel required for these purposes, as well as the export of petroleum products as part of humanitarian assistance by decision of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan;            2) by rail transportation of petroleum products (codes of the commodity nomenclature of foreign economic activity of the Eurasian Economic Union 2710-12), except for the export of gasoline (codes of the commodity nomenclature of foreign economic activity of the Eurasian Economic Union 2710 12 412 0, 2710 12 413 0, 2710 12 450 0, 2710 12 490 0) according to the delivery plans approved in accordance with paragraph 7 of Article 18 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On State regulation of production and turnover of certain types of petroleum products", as well as the export of petroleum products as part of the provision of humanitarian assistance by decision of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan.To impose a ban for a period of six months for the period from July 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on the export of light distillates from the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan outside the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union (commodity nomenclature codes for foreign economic activity of the Eurasian Economic Union 2710 12 110 1 – 2710 12 310 0, 2710 12 700 0 – 2710 12 900 8), jet fuel and diesel fuel (codes of the commodity nomenclature of foreign economic activity of the Eurasian Economic Union 2710 19 110 0 – 2710 19 460 0), gas oil (codes of the commodity nomenclature of foreign economic activity of the Eurasian Economic Union 2710 20 110 0 – 2710 20 190 0), toluene, xylene (codes of the commodity nomenclature of foreign economic activity of the Eurasian Economic Union 2902 30 000 0, 2902 41 000 0, 2902 42 000 0, 2902 44 000 0), petroleum bitumen (commodity nomenclature code for foreign economic activity of the Eurasian Economic Union 2713 20 000 0).The State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in cooperation with the Border Guard Service of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, within their competence, take the necessary measures to ensure the implementation of paragraphs 1 and 2 of this order in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.The Department of Oil Transportation and Refining of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan should notify the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan of the need to inform the Eurasian Economic Commission in accordance with the established procedure about the introduction of prohibitions specified in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this order.The Department of Oil Transportation and Refining of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, shall ensure:1) the state registration of this order in the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan;                         2) posting of this order on the Internet resource of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan after its official publication;3) within ten calendar days from the date of state registration of this order with the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan, submit to the Department of Legal Service of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan information on the implementation of measures provided for in subparagraphs 1) and 2) of this paragraph.Control over the execution of this order is entrusted to the supervising Vice Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.This order shall enter into force upon the expiration of ten calendar days after the date of its first official publication.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-kostanay/press/news/details/1222584?lang=kk

Kazakhstan concluded the first quarter of 2026 with a confident strengthening of its foreign trade positions. Against the backdrop of sustained high business activity and expanding export potential, the country's trade turnover reached USD 32.9 billion, an increase of 10.5% compared to the same period last year, when the figure was USD 29.8 billion. This dynamic confirms the resilience of the foreign economic sector and the gradual strengthening of the role of high value-added products in the structure of Kazakh exports.The total export volume for January–March 2026 grew by 9.4%, amounting to USD 18.0 billion. Kazakhstan's imports for the reporting period amounted to USD 14.9 billion, an increase of 11.8% compared to the first quarter of 2025. The growth in imports is primarily related to increased purchases of investment and technological goods necessary for the modernization of the country's industry, energy, and transport infrastructure. The most notable growth was in electricity generator sets, whose imports increased more than fivefold, reaching USD 416.8 million. Imports of gas turbines and aircraft engines, petroleum products, railway locomotives, as well as equipment for processing and sorting raw materials also grew significantly. This import structure indicates sustained high investment demand in the economy and the active implementation of infrastructure and industrial projects.The dynamics of the non-resource sector deserve special attention. Kazakhstan's foreign trade turnover in non-resource goods for January–March 2026 reached USD 20.4 billion, which is 13.5% higher than last year's level. Non-resource exports grew immediately by 23.4%, amounting to USD 6.9 billion, becoming one of the main factors in the qualitative change in the structure of the country's foreign trade.The main drivers of non-resource exports were copper and copper cathodes, silver, uranium, ferroalloys, animal feed products, and sunflower oil. Sunflower oil exports increased by almost 60%, reaching USD 277.8 million, reflecting the growing competitiveness of Kazakh processed agricultural products. A 20.1% increase in ferroalloy supplies further confirms the strengthening of the metallurgical complex and the expansion of the export geography of domestic industrial products.The geography of Kazakhstan's foreign trade remains stably diversified. The country's largest trading partner at the end of the first quarter was China, with a trade turnover of USD 7.8 billion and a share of 23.8% of the total foreign trade volume. Russia retained second place with a trade volume of USD 6.5 billion, remaining a key market for imports and industrial cooperation. Italy, Turkey, and Uzbekistan also entered the list of largest partners. The strengthening of Kazakhstan's export positions in the European direction is particularly noteworthy: trade turnover with Italy exceeded USD 3.4 billion, with the volume of Kazakh exports amounting to over USD 3 billion.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1222494?lang=kk

A meeting was held in Almaty with the Chairman of the Trade Committee of the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yernur Zhautikbayev. Representatives of markets, shopping and entertainment centers, and major retail chains took part in the meeting.During the meeting, key issues in the trade sector were discussed, including market modernization, regulation of trade markups, pricing issues, and the further development of the industry. Entrepreneurs had the opportunity to directly address the Chairman of the Committee, ask relevant questions, and receive detailed answers in an open dialogue format.Entrepreneurs from the Almaty and Zhetysu regions also joined the discussion via Zoom, which helped broaden the dialogue and cover current issues of regional business.As part of the working program, a tour of the largest retail chains - Small and Magnum Cash&Carry - was conducted. During the monitoring, prices for socially significant food products were checked, and issues related to ensuring product availability and price stability for the population were considered.Furthermore, at Small branches at 507A Raiymbek Avenue and Magnum Cash&Carry at 292 Radostovets Street, the launch of a project to support Kazakhstani cheese producers was announced. The project is being implemented on the instruction of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan and aims to support domestic producers, expand the presence of Kazakhstani products in retail chains, and enhance the competitiveness of local brands.Also, with the support of the Almaty City and Almaty Region Entrepreneurship and Investment Department, as well as the Almaty and Almaty Region Trade Department, monitoring was conducted at the Altyn Orda market. During the visit, issues of market modernization, organization of trading activities, and mechanisms for forming food prices were considered.The ongoing work is aimed at developing modern trade infrastructure, supporting domestic business, ensuring pricing transparency, and strengthening food stability in the region. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/sauda/press/news/details/1222473?lang=kk

From 28 to 30 April 2026, the regional field exercise of the “Project 106” initiative was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, organized by the European Union Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence.The exercise was aimed at testing national and regional preparedness to respond to complex and coordinated attacks involving CBRN weapons during major public events.Representatives of relevant agencies, emergency services, and international organizations took part in the exercise. Observers from the European Union and Central Asian countries were also present.Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the National Guard, and the Committee for Atomic Supervision and Control of the Atomic Energy Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan took part in the event on behalf of the Republic of Kazakhstan.During the exercise, participants practiced interagency coordination mechanisms, emergency response cooperation, and information exchange among regional states in emergency situations.Such exercises contribute to strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing preparedness for modern security challenges and threats.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/atomic-control/press/news/details/1222479?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1222456?lang=kk

In accordance with sub-clause 2, clause 2, Article 481 of the Tax Code, value-added tax, which is offset, is taken into account in the tax period on which the date of payment to the budget falls, but not earlier than the 20th day of the month following the tax period specified in clause 6, Article 530 of this Code, for which such tax is calculated. tax, - when importing goods from the territory of the EAEU member state.In accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 530 of the Tax Code, the tax period for calculating and paying indirect taxes on the import of goods, including goods that are processed raw materials, goods (leased items) under leasing agreements (contracts), into the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan from the territory of the EAEU member States is the calendar month in which Such imported goods have been registered or the due date of the payment stipulated in the lease agreement (contract) is coming.In this case, it is allowed to fulfill a tax obligation during the tax period.In accordance with clause 5 of Article 530 of the Tax Code, value added tax on imported goods is paid at the location (residence) of taxpayers no later than the 20th day of the month following the tax period.In the event of an increase in the price of imported goods in accordance with paragraph 8 of Article 518 of this Code, the value-added tax on imported goods shall be paid no later than the 20th day of the month following the month in which the parties to the agreement (contract) changed the price of imported goods.Thus, the value-added tax, which is offset, is taken into account in the tax period on which the date of payment to the budget falls in accordance with the provisions of art.481 of the Tax Code.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-sko/press/news/details/1222424?lang=kk

The Department of State Revenue for the Mangystau region informs that the subject of taxation in a special tax regime for the self-employed is income received during the tax period in connection with the implementation of activities included in the list of activities for which the application of a special tax regime is permitted.In this case, the date of income recognition is the date when payments are made for goods sold, work performed, and services rendered, including the date when money or its equivalent is received or paid.The income of individuals applying a special tax regime for the self-employed (with the exception of individuals operating in places where there is no public telecommunications network) is recorded in the income register, which is generated in a special mobile application based on receipts from a special mobile application and other information about income received from other sources.The income of individuals operating in places where there is no public telecommunications network is recorded in a special tax regime for the self-employed in a simple form developed by them independently, indicating: dates, names of operations, amounts received from each operation, the total amount for each day, for the month.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-mangistau/press/news/details/1228450?lang=ru

The Department of State Revenue for the Mangystau region informs that the Federal District state revenue authorities have implemented a chatbot in Telegram at the link @SalyqBot.SalyqBot is a digital consultant, in Kazakh and Russian, for convenience, it is possible to log in using a Qr code.With SalyqBot, you can:– instantly find out information about the presence or absence of tax arrears;– calculate the vehicle tax yourself;– calculate the amount of penalties for late payment of taxes;– find out up-to-date background information, use the tax calendar;– get useful information on tax and customs legislation by keywords;– by subscribing, you will receive push messages reminding you of upcoming deadlines for filing reports, paying taxes, as well as useful news and notifications (information is sent based on the interest of the user – an individual or a legal entity);– get prompt assistance on unblocking bank accounts, bankruptcy of individuals, payment of taxes on transport, land and property of individuals;– find out information about the amounts paid if you are a legal entity.(unofficial translation)Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-mangistau/press/news/details/1222444?lang=kk