Kazakhstan Premieres Documentary to Mark 100th Heart Transplant

ASTANA – A life-saving operation and a milestone moment in Kazakhstan’s medical history were brought to the screens on July 24, as the Heart Center Foundation and...


Kazakhstan’s Renewable Energy Share Hits 6.8% in First Half of 2025

ASTANA – Renewable energy sources (RES) provided 6.81% of Kazakhstan’s total electricity output in the first half of 2025, Qazaq Green reported on July 24, citing the...


From Culture to Horse Racing: What’s On This Weekend in Astana and Almaty

ASTANA – Had a busy working week? Here’s your chance to unwind by visiting festivals, exhibitions, and captivating spectacles. There is something to suit every mood. The...


Kazakhstan Provides Free AI Training Programs for All Ages and Professions

ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry, in partnership with the Astana Hub technopark of IT startups, implements major free educational projects...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s First NPP, Veil Ban and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest covers the country’s role in addressing Central Asia’s...


Kazakhstan Monetizes Returned Assets With Growing Auction Sales in 2025

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Returned Asset Management Company has raised 198.5 million tenge (US$365,885) through auctions since the beginning of 2025, selling confiscated jewelry, luxury watches, collectible coins,...


President Tokayev to Visit Ankara Next Week

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will pay an official visit to Türkiye on July 29 at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, reported Akorda. In Ankara,...


Kazakhstan Rises in Global Passport Ranking, Leads Central Asia

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has improved its global standing in the Henley Passport Index, climbing three positions to 63rd place, the highest among Central Asian countries. This rise...


Kazakhstan Presents Third Voluntary National Review at UN Forum

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s third Voluntary National Review (VNR) was presented at the UN high-level political forum on sustainable development on July 24 in New York, reported the...


Kazakhstan’s Oil Sector Contributes $7 Billion to National Fund in 2024

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s national  fund contributions from the oil sector in 2024 amounted to 3.8 trillion tenge (US$7 billion), according to the report on the formation and...


Kazakhstan to Broaden Visa-Free Access Under New Draft Resolution

ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to simplify and expand its visa-free regime under a draft resolution on amending the rules for entry and stay of immigrants proposed by...


Kazakh PM Orders Tougher Measures as Youth Drug Threat Escalates

ASTANA – Despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies, the problem of drug addiction persists, especially among the youth, said Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov at the...


Halyk Bank and Uzbekistan’s Click Join Forces in Major Fintech Deal

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Halyk Bank has signed a strategic partnership on July 23 with Uzbekistan’s leading fintech company, Click, as part of its plan to grow its...


Kazakhstan to Launch National Cargo Airline by 2026

ASTANA – The launch of the first flight operated by the national cargo airline is scheduled for early 2026, said Nurlan Zhakupov, chairman of the management board...


Dimash Qudaibergen Recognized People’s Artist of Kyrgyz Republic

ASTANA – People’s Artist of Kazakhstan, singer and composer Dimash Qudaibergen was awarded the honorary title of People’s Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic at the grand closing...


Kazakhstan and China Launch Unmanned Cargo Transport at Border

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and China are launching unmanned cargo transportation as part of the innovative Smart Customs pilot project at the Bakhty (Kazakhstan) – Pokitu (China) border...


Kazakhstan to More Than Double Oil Refining Capacity by 2040

ASTANA – The Kazakh government has approved a long-term oil refining industry development concept for 2025-2040, aiming to more than double its refining capacity from 18 to...


Kazakhstan Emerges as Growing Destination for Medical Tourism

ASTANA – In recent years, foreign nationals have increasingly chosen Kazakhstan as a destination for medical care, TengriNews reported on July 22, citing the Ministry of Health....


China–Central Asia Rail Freight Up 25% in First Half of 2025

ASTANA – In the first half of 2025, the number of freight train departures between China and Central Asia has increased by 25% compared to the same...


New CICA Headquarters in Astana Hosts First Official Talks

ASTANA – The newly inaugurated headquarters of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Astana hosted its first meeting of the Senior...


Kazakhstan Leads Central Asia in Cybersecurity, Says New Regional Study

ASTANA – Kazakhstan leads Central Asia in cybersecurity with a relatively advanced institutional and legal framework, according to the Central Asia Cybersecurity Baseline Study: Executive Summary, published...


Duke’s Fuqua School of Business Welcomes Kazakh Talents

ASTANA – Duke University and Berik and Bayan Kaniyev Foundation signed an agreement on June 27 to establish a dedicated scholarship for Kazakh citizens to pursue an...


Kazakhstan Welcomes Over 7.5 Million Foreign Visitors in First Half of 2025

ASTANA – More than 7.5 million foreigners visited Kazakhstan over the first half of 2025, said Baurzhan Alenov, first deputy minister of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan, during...


Kazakhstan, Canada Explore Opportunities for Stronger Bilateral Ties

ASTANA – Canada and Kazakhstan share common views on global challenges and see strong potential to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, energy, education, and diplomacy. These opportunities...


Modern Kazakh Yurt Wins Recognition at Design Educates Awards

ASTANA – Modern Kazakh yurt (nomadic dwelling) by Nurgissa Architects was selected in the architectural design category in the Design Educates Awards, reported Kazinform agency on July...


HBO Max Taps into Central Asia, Adding Kazakhstan to its Global Map

ASTANA — HBO Max is set to expand its global reach with upcoming launches in Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, as well as other markets...


Metal Production Up 7% as Kazakhstan Plans to Double Output by 2025

ASTANA – Metallurgical ore production in Kazakhstan grew by 7.8%, while metal production increased by 6.9%, said Vice Minister of Industry and Construction Olzhas Saparbekov, during the...


Kazakhstan and Georgia Seek to Strengthen Logistics Ties via Trans-Caspian Route

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with Georgian Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili on July 21, exploring ways to expand the transport...


What Happens to Kazakhstan’s Billion-Dollar Asset Recovery Effort 

ASTANA – In 2023, Kazakhstan launched a large-scale asset recovery campaign to recover millions of dollars stolen and transferred abroad by corrupt officials. Two years later, the...


A Moment of Opportunity: Supercharging the Clean Energy Age

Energy has shaped humanity’s path – from mastering fire, to harnessing steam, to splitting the atom.  Today, we’re at the dawn of a new era. The sun...


Kazakhstan Accelerates Industrialization With $26.7 Billion Investment

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is undertaking 17 projects focused on high-value-added production, with a total investment of 14.3 trillion tenge (US$26.7 billion), expected to generate over 24,600 jobs,...


BaiQymyz Festival Gives Taste of Kazakhs’ Cherished Mare’s Milk

ASTANA – More than 50 kymyz producers from all over Kazakhstan took part in the two-day BaiQymyz festival on July 19-20 in Astana, which aims to preserve...


Online Fraud Surges Despite Overall Decline in Cases 

ASTANA – While the total number of fraud cases in Kazakhstan dropped by 0.7% from 22,812 to 22,644 in the first half of 2025, online fraud surged...


Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan Sign Agreement on Trans-Afghan Railway

ASTANA – Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan signed a tripartite framework agreement on July 17 in Kabul to develop a feasibility study for the Trans-Afghan railway project, a...


Atyrau Region to Host International Lotus Blossom Festival

ASTANA – One of Kazakhstan’s most anticipated cultural events of the year, Lotus Fest 2025, will take place on July 26 in the village of Tengiz, Atyrau...


Kazakhstan Improves Infrastructure, Adds Global Flight Options in 2025

ASTANA – Five new low-cost airlines entered the Kazakh aviation market this year, including Thai Air Asia X from Thailand, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi from the United...


Kazakhstan on Track to Become Global Top-3 Rare Earth Holder

ASTANA – Kazakhstan may become one of the world’s leading holders of rare earth metal reserves, Kazinform reported on July 21. Until recently, it was considered that...


Why Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions Builds Bridges in Divided World

In the context of growing global tensions in international relations, the demand for sustainable humanitarian platforms capable of offering constructive solutions and fostering trust among civilizations, cultures,...


Uncovering Kazakhstan’s Volga-Caspian Gateways to Silk Roads

Editor’s Note: The Astana Times continues its Forgotten Cities of the Silk Road series, exploring Kazakhstan’s tentative UNESCO World Heritage sites. This edition features the Volga-Caspian Corridor...


Kazakh-Spanish Film ‘La Tregua’ is About Light That Survives War, Says Director 

ASTANA – “La Tregua” (The Truce), an upcoming Kazakh-Spanish film, seeks to bring out the light within people during times of war and conflict, the film’s director...


Celebrating International Chess Day: How Kazakh Women Build Chess Legacy

ASTANA – Like all great sports, chess attracts many people for its brilliance, building pressure, and unexpected outcomes. As the global chess community celebrates International Chess Day...


Central Asia Attracts $25 Billion, as China’s Belt and Road Investment Hits Half-Year Record

ASTANA – Africa and Central Asia emerged as the top destinations for Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) investments, attracting $39 billion and $25 billion, respectively, in the...


NYFA Offers Full and Partial Grants for Creative Youth in Kazakhstan

ASTANA — The New York Film Academy (NYFA) Kazakhstan campus is offering 100% and 50% grants for programs in 3D Animation and Visual Effects and Game Design. ...


Kazakhstan to Host ICOMOS Mission for UNESCO World Heritage Evaluation

ASTANA – A delegation from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) will visit Kazakhstan in September to inspect cultural and historical sites nominated for inclusion...


Astana to Welcome 1.7 Million Tourists This Year

ASTANA – The capital city of Kazakhstan is experiencing a steady rise in tourism, with an expected 1.7 million visitors this year, including a growing number of...


Kazakh President Signs New Tax Code

ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a new Tax Code and an accompanying law introducing amendments to Kazakhstan’s tax legislation on July 18. The reforms aim...


Your Mid-July Highlights: Art, Ethno Beats, Comedy This Week in Astana and Almaty

ASTANA – Unwind after a busy workweek by visiting inspiring concerts, thought-provoking exhibitions and captivating festivals. Whether you are looking for culture, music or family-friendly events, there...


Jańa Dala/Green Day ‘2025 Exhibition Unites Global Agro Experts in Akmola Region

ASTANA — The largest agricultural exhibition in Kazakhstan, Jańa Dala/Green Day ‘2025, kicked off on July 17 in the Akmola Region with participation of over 200 companies...


Kazakhstan Develops National AI Technologies That Work Offline

ASTANA — Kazakh scientists from the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) at Nazarbayev University have presented five innovative artificial intelligence systems that function without...


Experts Call for Better Enforcement of Animal Welfare Laws in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Animal welfare requires effective enforcement of existing laws, experts said at a July 15 roundtable that examined gaps in the country’s animal protection policies. The...


Ministry of Culture Presents Highlights of International Success

 ASTANA — The Ministry of Culture and Information has presented a review on July 17 highlighting the recent international achievements of Kazakh performers. In recent months, Kazakh...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Natural Beauty, Trump’s Tariff, Water Management and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest covers President Donald Trump’s tariff on Kazakhstan, water...


Kazakhstan’s Mechanical Engineering Sector Grows by 11.1% in January-June

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s mechanical engineering industry recorded 11.1% growth in January-June, according to results presented at a June 17 meeting of the economic growth headquarters chaired by...


Kazakhstan Advances AI Ecosystem Development

ASTANA — Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov,  who chaired a meeting of the Commission on Digitalization on July 18, emphasized that the development of national AI infrastructure,...


Kazakhstan Increases Grain Exports by 58.4%

ASTANA – Kazakhstan exported 9.3 million tons of new crop grain from September 2024 to July 10, 2025, which is 58.4% more than the same period in...


Italy’s Marche Polytechnic University Opens Branch in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – A branch of Italy’s Marche Polytechnic University opened at Zhetisu University named after Ilyas Zhansugurov, in Taldykorgan on July 16, reported the Kazakh Ministry of...


Astana to Host Running Event in August to Support Patients Awaiting Organ Transplants

ASTANA – Thousands of people will gather in Astana on Aug. 10 to take part in a special running event in support of patients awaiting life-saving organ...


Rare Bronze Daggers Found in Kazakhstan May Belong to Saka Nomads

ASTANA – Archaeologists and students from Pavlodar-based Margulan University have uncovered two bronze daggers that may belong to Saka nomads, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education...


Kazakhstan Criminalizes Stalking and Forced Marriage in New Law

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a new law on July 16 introducing criminal liability for stalking and forced marriage, as part of amendments aimed at optimizing...


Kazakhstan Begins Construction of Strategic Logistics Hub in Kostanai

ASTANA – Kazakhstan officially launched construction of Tobyl, a new transport and logistics complex in the city of Kostanai on July 16, the Prime Minister’s press service...


Young Kazakh Geniuses Shine at International Olympiads

ASTANA – Kazakh schoolchildren have made a sensational start to the competition season, winning four medals, two gold and two silver, at the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO...


Kazakhstan and Japan’s Hiroshima Strengthen Ties on Trade, Nuclear Non-Proliferation

ASTANA – Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov met with Hiroshima Prefecture Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki on July 16 to discuss bilateral cooperation, focusing on trade and economic...


Almaty Mountain Cluster Set for Large-Scale Development, Says Kazakh PM

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov announced plans for the large-scale development of the Almaty mountain cluster at a July 15 press conference. The project covers...


Kazakhstan Begins Negotiations to Revise Production Sharing Agreements at Major Oil Fields

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has initiated talks with foreign investors to renegotiate production sharing agreements (PSAs) for its key oil fields – Tengiz, Karachaganak, and Kashagan. Prime Minister...


Fitch Affirms Kazakhstan at ‘BBB’; Outlook Stable

ASTANA — Fitch Ratings has affirmed Kazakhstan’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating (IDR) at ‘BBB’ with a stable outlook on July 15. According to the agency, Kazakhstan’s...


Kazakh PM: Kazakhstan Fully Committed to OPEC+ Agreement

ASTANA – Kazakhstan remains committed to its obligations under the OPEC+ agreement and is not considering leaving the alliance, said Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov during a July...


New Technologies in Arrhythmia Treatment Introduced at UMC Heart Center

ASTANA — Specialists at the University Medical Center (UMC) Heart Center in the Kazakh capital are introducing new technologies and methods for treating cardiac arrhythmias, including the...


Kazakh, Chinese Foreign Ministers Deepen Strategic Ties in Tianjin Meeting

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his visit to China for the SCO Foreign...


SCO Foreign Ministers Convene in Tianjin Ahead of September Summit

ASTANA — Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu took part in the regular meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation...


Presidential Advisor Zulfiya Suleimenova Outlines Kazakhstan’s Vision for Climate Action 

ASTANA – When leaders gathered for the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku in November, expectations were high and stakes even higher. As the...


Kazakhstan Expands Multilingual Tourist Safety System

ASTANA – Foreign travelers arriving in Kazakhstan now receive cards with QR codes at the airports of Astana and Almaty and at the Kaplanbek border checkpoint, in...


President Tokayev Signs Amendments to Tax Code

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the law on amendments and additions to the Tax Code on July 15, reported Akorda. The changes will soon officially come...


Kazakhstan to Supply Uranium to Slovakia

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s national atomic company Kazatomprom signed a memorandum of understanding on July 14 with Slovenské elektrárne a.s. (SEAS), Slovakia’s largest electricity producer, to supply natural...


Kazakhstan’s Oil Output Hits Nearly 50 Million Tons in First Half of 2025

ASTANA – Kazakhstan produced 49.9 million tons of oil in January-June, compared to 44.7 million tons in the same period last year, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov said...


Kazakhstan Delivers Strongest Half-Year Economic Growth in 14 Years

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s economy grew by 6.2% between January and June, the highest growth in 14 years, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin...


Kazakhstan to Participate in SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu visited the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Headquarters on July 14 during his trip to China to...


ICAO Chief Praises Kazakhstan’s Aviation Progress, Eyes Greater Regional Role

ASTANA – International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) President Salvatore Sciacchitano recognized Kazakhstan’s swift progress in aviation safety, liberalization, and infrastructure, emphasizing its potential to become a major...


Kazakhstan’s Push for Species Recovery Faces Ecosystem Trade-Offs

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s vast landscapes, spanning from the steppe to the mountains, harbor a wealth of biodiversity. Located at the crossroads of Eurasia, the country is home...


Astana to Host First Kymyz Gastrofestival This Weekend 

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital’s Kazanat Hippodrome will host the first national cuisine gastrofestival titled BaiQymyz – baptalgan kymyz on July 19-20, dedicated to kymyz, the traditional...


Kazakhstan Sees Rapid Growth in Digital Banking and Non-Cash Transactions

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has seen a sharp rise in digital banking and non-cash transactions, with the number of online users surpassing the population and monthly cashless turnover...


Phygital Games of Future 2026 to Bring Over 1,500 Athletes to Astana

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital will host the international Phygital Games of the Future from July 18 to Aug. 1 next year. The event will bring together...


Kazakhstan Opens Modernized Border Checkpoints with China and Uzbekistan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has launched four upgraded border checkpoints with China and Uzbekistan as part of a national effort to boost transit capacity and streamline trade. According...


Comic Con Astana Crowns Cosplay Champion from Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Comic Con Astana, Central Asia’s largest pop culture festival, concluded on July 13 with a grand cosplay competition final. A cosplayer from Astana, known by...


Kazakhstan’s Amnesty Law Praised by European Parliamentarians as Model for Central Asia

ASTANA – In a July 10 declaration submitted to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), a group of European parliamentarians expressed support for Kazakhstan’s...


Kazakhstan Launches Construction of Two New Airports in East Kazakhstan Region

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has launched the construction of two new airports from the ground up in the East Kazakhstan Region – in the Katon-Karagay and Zaisan districts....


Kazakh Film Wins Award at International Festival in Italy

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s film “Bauyryna salu” (Adoption) directed by Askhat Kuchincherekov won the Best Feature Film award at the 23rd edition of Ischia Film Festival, which was...


Everything Old is New Again: Mongolia and Central Asia Forge Relations

Editor’s note: Mongolia and the Central Asian countries are beginning to rediscover their ancient roots and opportunities for cooperation. Eldaniz Gusseinov recently visited Ulaanbaatar for the CAMCA...


Jibek Joly Tourist Train to Resume Six-Day Silk Road Journey in September

ASTANA – The Jibek Joly (Silk Road in Kazakh) tourist train will launch its new season on Sept. 19, offering passengers a six-day cultural voyage through some...


Rediscovering Yassy-Turkistan, Ancient Silk Road City

Editor’s Note: The Astana Times continues its Forgotten Cities of the Silk Road series, exploring Kazakhstan’s tentative UNESCO World Heritage sites. This edition features Yassy-Turkistan, an ancient...


Kazakhstan Marks Anniversaries of Two Dombra Icons: Tattimbet and Dauletkerey 

ASTANA – This year, Kazakhstan commemorates 210 years since the birth of Tattimbet Kazangapuly and 205 years since the birth of Dauletkerey Shygaiuly – the leading figures...


New Nature Reserve: Kazakhstan Continues Efforts to Protect Aral Sea Ecosystem

ASTANA — Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources has announced plans to create a new state nature reserve, Aral Ormany, in the Kyzylorda Region. This initiative...


Kazakhstan Installs First National Telescope in Chile’s Atacama Desert

ASTANA – For the first time in Kazakhstan’s scientific history, a high-precision robotic telescope has been installed and launched in the Atacama Desert of Chile, one of...


Actor Esai Morales Calls Astana Perfect for Romantic Spy Film at Comic Con 2025

ASTANA – Comic Con Astana 2025 is in full swing, with 29,000 people visiting the event in the first two days. On the third day, headliner actor...


Kazakhstan Anticipates US$1.9 Million in Budget Revenue from World Star Concerts

ASTANA – Astana Concert plans to organize more than 10 class A concerts over the next three years. By the end of 2025, the group behind these...


Kazakhstan Adopts Endowment Law to Strengthen University Sustainability

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the law on targeted capital funds and endowment funds on June 30. The law aims to establish a legal...


Kazakhstan Launches Large-Scale Project to Develop Mountain Tourism

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Amanat Party has launched Alatau Amanaty, a large-scale project for developing mountain tourism through a system of national tourist trails covering the country’s key...


Kazakhstan Updates Forest Law to Boost Eco-Tourism, Climate Response

ASTANA — Kazakh officials outlined legislative reforms to forest management and protected natural areas aimed at boosting eco-tourism, strengthening climate resilience, and improving emergency response mechanisms. The...


Ticket Sales for Backstreet Boys Concert in Astana Start Monday

ASTANA – Tickets for the first-ever Backstreet Boys concert in Astana, set for Sept. 21, will go on sale starting July 14 through a pre-sale in the...


Kazakhstan’s E-Commerce Market Soars 42%, Hits Record $6 Billion in 2024

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s retail e-commerce market reached a new historical high of 3.4 billion tenge (US$6 billion) in 2024, a 42% increase over 2023, according to a...


Ethnic Kazakh Children from Abroad Gather at Ethno-Camp in Burabai

ASTANA – The Jas Qazaq summer camp at the IQanat High School in Burabai opened its doors for ethnic Kazakh children from abroad on July 9. According...