Tokayev Signs Law Establishing UN Regional Center for Central Asia and Afghanistan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has formally approved the establishment of a United Nations Regional Center for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty after...


Kazakh PM Calls for Deeper Regional Cooperation at Tashkent Investment Forum

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov highlighted the urgency of deepening regional cooperation, as he addressed the fifth Tashkent Investment Forum on June 17. Speaking at...


Uzbekistan Makes World Cup Debut, Scores Historic Goal Despite Colombia Defeat

ASTANA – Uzbekistan marked its FIFA World Cup debut with a historic milestone on June 17 as Abbosbek Fayzullayev scored the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal, but...


Beyond the Spotlight: How Kazakhstan Becomes Visible in Indonesia

For many Indonesians, Kazakhstan remains a distant and relatively unfamiliar country. Yet the growing visibility of Dimash Qudaibergen in Indonesia suggests that cultural visibility sometimes emerges not...


Kazakhstan’s Telecom Sector Set for Potential US-Backed Investment

ASTANA – The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced its interest in partnering with Power International Holding, the owner of Tele2, one of Kazakhstan’s largest telecommunications...


Olympic Champion Mikhail Shaidorov to Launch Grand Prix Season in France

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s figure skaters Mikhail Shaidorov and Sofia Samodelkina have been assigned their events for the 2026/27 ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix series and will compete...


Kazakhstan Emerges as One of SCO’s Leading Contributors

ASTANA — Kazakhstan ranks third among contributors to the budget of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), according to data published as the organization marked its 25th anniversary...


Kazakhstan Secures Preferential Financing from IBRD and AIIB for Economic Priorities

ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to attract 154.7 billion Japanese yen (US$965.4 million) in concessional loans from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the Asian...


Jiangsu Center Opens in Astana to Boost Trade, Investment

ASTANA – The Jiangsu Provincial Center in Central Asia was opened in the Kazakh capital on June 16, marking a new stage in strengthening trade, investment, and...


Kazakhstan, Spain Reaffirm Strategic Partnership, Eye Economic Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Spain reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and expanding economic cooperation during the eighth round of political consultations on June 16, led...


Saudi Arabia’s Mining Lesson: Real Mining Race is About Value, Not Resources

ASTANA — For decades, Saudi Arabia’s place in the global economy was defined by one commodity: oil. Today, the Kingdom is betting that its future will be...


IMF Sees Kazakhstan’s Economy Growing 4.6% in 2026 Despite Inflation Risks

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s economy is projected to grow by around 4.6% this year, supported by high oil prices, strong domestic demand, and investment inflows, the International Monetary...


Kazakhstan to Build Unified Digital Transport Platform by Year’s End

ASTANA — Kazakhstan plans to create a unified digital database to manage the country’s transport and logistics chain in real time by the end of 2026, as...


Jackie Chan Film Shoots Begin in Mangystau Region

ASTANA — Filming for “Armor of God 4: Ultimatum,” starring Jackie Chan, has begun in Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Region, according to Kazinform. The first scenes of the international...


Kazakhstan’s Rail Network Undergoes Historic Modernization

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is undertaking one of the most ambitious railway modernization programs in its history, combining infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation, industrial development and expanding transit ambitions...


Kazakhstan Explains US Visa Refusals, Signals Progress on Schengen Talks

ASTANA — Nearly half of visa applications submitted by Kazakhstan citizens to the United States (US) are denied due primarily to documentation issues rather than nationality-based restrictions,...


Kazakhstan Secures $10 Billion AI Investment With NVIDIA, Firebird

ASTANA — Kazakhstan signed $10 billion worth of agreements with the United States AI infrastructure company Firebird and technology leader NVIDIA to develop large-scale artificial intelligence infrastructure,...


Kazakhstan Weighs Under-16 Social Media Ban as Concerns Over Teen Mental Health Grow

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is considering banning children under 16 from registering on social media platforms as authorities seek to address growing concerns about cyberbullying, harmful content and...


Kazakhstan, World Bank Bolster Partnership in Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has a real opportunity to move beyond being a user of technology to becoming an exporter of digital services and AI-enabled solutions. This aligns...


Kazakhstan to Host High-Level Visits from Germany, Spain, and Poland This Month

ASTANA — Kazakhstan will receive senior officials from Germany, Spain, and Poland this month for high-level talks aimed at strengthening political dialogue, economic cooperation, and inter-parliamentary ties,...


Almaty Hosts EU-Central Asia Meeting on Afghanistan Cooperation

ASTANA — Envoys from the European Union, Central Asian countries, and the United Nations met on June 15 in Almaty to coordinate approaches on Afghanistan, focusing on...


Tokayev Welcomes US-Iran Agreement, Calls it Important Step Toward Regional Stability

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed the agreement reached between the United States and Iran, describing it as highly significant for both the region and the broader...


Akmola Region Expects Two Million Tourists as Burabay Expands Tourism Infrastructure

ASTANA — The Akmola Region expects to welcome around two million tourists this year, with Burabay remaining its main tourism destination. According to the regional akimat (administration),...


Coal Accounts for Over 60% of Kazakhstan’s Electricity as Its Energy Mix Diversifies

ASTANA – Coal remains the dominant source of electricity in Kazakhstan, accounting for 62.1% of total generation, while gas-fired plants, hydropower facilities and renewable energy sources together...


International Boxing Hall of Fame Inducts Gennady Golovkin

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s boxer Gennady Golovkin has been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) on June 14, becoming the country’s first representative to enter...


Kazakhstan’s Amanat Party Approves Merger with Adilet

ASTANA – Delegates of the second congress of Kazakhstan’s Adilet Party approved the merger of the Amanat party into Adilet on June 14, in a move aimed...


Belgian Company Plans $56 Million Border Logistics Hub Near China as Kazakhstan Expands Transit Role

ASTANA – Belgian heavy-lift and transport company Sarens plans to invest up to $56 million in a logistics and commercial hub near Kazakhstan’s border with China, a...


Archaeologists Unearth Rare Kangly-Era Artifacts and Burial Practices in Turkistan Region

ASTANA — Archaeologists conducting excavations in Kazakhstan’s Turkistan Region have uncovered rare artifacts and unusual burial practices dating back to the Kangly period, offering new insights into...


Dimash Releases Trailer for Documentary on Historic Madison Square Garden Concert

ASTANA — Kazakh singer and global music star Dimash Qudaibergen has released the official trailer for his upcoming documentary film “Before the Applause: The Dream of Dimash...


Kazakh, Azerbaijani Emerge as Fastest-Growing Languages on ChatGPT

ASTANA – Azerbaijani and Kazakh are the fastest growing languages among consumers on ChatGPT, OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar said on June 2 All-In Podcast as part of...


How Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum Teaches Faith, Knowledge and Self-Discovery

ASTANA – The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is widely regarded as one of the most important architectural monuments of the Turkic world and a spiritual treasure...


Ballet Dancer Adamzhan Brings Dracula to Edinburgh After Sold-Out London Run

ASTANA — After a week of sold-out performances in London, Kazakh ballet star Bakhtiyar Adamzhan is taking his acclaimed portrayal of Dracula to Scotland. The principal dancer...


Kazakhstan-EU Relations Deepen Beyond Trade as Cooperation Expands Across Strategic Sectors

ASTANA — The relationship between Kazakhstan and the European Union (EU) is entering a new phase, marked by growing trade volumes, closer political dialogue and expanding cooperation...


New Flights to Armenia and Uzbekistan Expand Kazakhstan’s Air Connectivity

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is expanding its international air links with the launch of new routes to Armenia and Uzbekistan, as authorities continue efforts to increase flight connectivity...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s EU Science Push, Critical Minerals and Tourism Growth

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from international media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest highlights Kazakhstan’s efforts to deepen cooperation with the...


Kazakhstan Economy Shows Resilience Despite Oil Production Challenges, IMF Says

ASTANA —The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has highlighted Kazakhstan’s economic resilience and progress in reducing inflationary pressures, despite challenges linked to lower oil production, during a meeting...


Kick Off Your Summer Weekend With These Events

ASTANA – After a busy workweek, the weekend offers a chance to unwind and recharge. From inspiring concerts and thought-provoking exhibitions to captivating performances, there is something...


Kazakh Titanium Accounts for 20% of Global Aerospace Market, Officials Say

ASTANA — Kazakh titanium accounts for approximately 20% of the global aerospace market, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said during a meeting with Sylvain Geler, chairman of the...


Kazakhstan Showcases Investment Potential at US-Kazakhstan Roundtable

ASTANA — Kazakhstan has attracted more than $480 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) since independence, Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Kuantyrov said during a United States (US)-Kazakhstan...


International Year of Volunteers Engages 200,000 Kazakh Citizens in First Half of 2026

ASTANA — More than 200,000 people have participated in volunteer activities across Kazakhstan since the beginning of 2026, a year designated by the United Nations as the...


Kazakhstan, Canada Push Beyond Trade Toward AI, Industrial Partnerships

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Canada are seeking to expand cooperation beyond traditional trade and resource industries, harnessing opportunities presented by emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and...


Kazakhstan and France Advance Long-Term Plan to Protect Lake Balkhash

ASTANA – Kazakh and French experts have presented interim findings for a master plan to safeguard the Lake Balkhash ecosystem, with the final strategy expected by the...


Central Asian Countries Outline Critical Minerals Strategies at C5+1 Dialogue

ASTANA – Central Asian countries presented their strategies for developing critical minerals and expanding regional cooperation during the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue with the United States on...


AMM2026: Next Mining Boom Will Be Built on More Than Resources

ASTANA — For decades, Kazakhstan’s mining story has been defined by what lies beneath its soil. At the Astana Mining & Metallurgy Congress  (AMM) 2026 on June...


Kazakhstan Opens 16th AMM Congress to Shape Future of Mining Sector

ASTANA — The 16th Astana Mining & Metallurgy (AMM) Congress and Exhibition opened on June 11 at the Hilton Astana, bringing together global industry leaders, investors, and...


How Much Will It Cost Kazakh Fans to Attend 2026 World Cup?

ASTANA – Kazakh football fans planning a trip to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America should expect to spend between $1,700 and $4,000 per person...


Kazakhstan Sees No Immediate Tenge Impact from Higher Oil Prices, National Bank Chair Says

ASTANA – Rising oil prices driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East have not had a significant effect on Kazakhstan’s tenge, National Bank Chair Timur Suleimenov...


Kazakhstan Balances Low Debt with Growing Concerns Over Budget Efficiency

ASTANA – Kazakh Finance Minister Madi Takiyev stated that the country’s public debt remains manageable and within safe limits. As of the beginning of this year, public...


Critical Minerals Open New Chapter in US-Central Asia Relations

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital hosted the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue on June 10, bringing together senior officials from Central Asian countries and the United States to...


Trump Envoy Tells Tokayev He Has ‘Friend in White House’

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening its expanded strategic partnership with the United States during talks with U.S. Special Envoy for South and...


Kazakh Aviation Specialists Join US-Led Air Cargo Security Training

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the United States are deepening cooperation on aviation security, with Kazakh specialists completing training in New York on cargo risk assessment, aircraft inspections...


Balkhash Airport Reopens After Reconstruction

ASTANA – Balkhash Airport in Kazakhstan’s Karagandy Region has resumed operations following the completion of reconstruction works, according to the regional akimat (local administration) press service.  The...


Kazakhstan, Netherlands Reach Deals on $185 Million in Joint Projects

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the Netherlands agreed to move forward with joint projects worth 160 million euros ($184 million) following a business forum on June 9 during...


Tajikistan Breaks Ground on $100 Million IT Hub Project

ASTANA – Tajikistan began the construction of an IT Hub Dushanbe complex on June 9, which is meant to become one of the country’s largest projects focused...


Kazakhstan Secures Seat on UN Disability Rights Committee, First Time for Central Asia

ASTANA – Lyazzat Kaltayeva, an expert and disability rights advocate from Kazakhstan, was elected to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on...


Kazakhstan Introduces Mandatory Film Reviews to Block Pornography, Harmful Content 

ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information has approved new rules requiring films to undergo a mandatory pre-release examination before receiving permission for public screening....


Kazakhstan Uses Financial Incentives to Drive ESG Adoption, Help Exporters Compete Abroad

ASTANA – ESG, which stands for environmental, social and governance, is no longer a reputational issue but a market access requirement, and companies that adapt quickly will...


Kazakhstan, US Discuss Expanded Strategic Cooperation in Key Economic Sectors

ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev held talks with the U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs and the U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio...


Kazakhstan Looks to Shenzhen Experience for Development of Alatau City

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and China reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening investment and business cooperation linking Shenzhen and Alatau City during talks between Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Kanat...


Citizens of 105 Countries Can Enter Kazakhstan with Electronic Visas

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has introduced simplified entry and stay procedures for foreign visitors to support tourism development, Minister of Internal Affairs Yerzhan Sadenov announced at a June...


Kyrgyz Republic Removed from EU Aviation Blacklist After 20 Years

ASTANA – The Kyrgyz Republic has been officially removed from the European Union’s list of air carriers banned from operating flights to EU member states. According to...


Kazakhstan, South Korea Deepen Economic Cooperation Ahead of Tokayev’s Seoul Visit

ASTANA — Kazakhstan and South Korea discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, critical minerals, and technology during the 11th meeting of the Kazakh-Korean Joint Commission on...


IEA Oil Market Report Highlights Global Risks as Kazakhstan Seeks to Stabilize Production

ASTANA –  The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) latest monthly report warns that global oil markets are entering a period of sharp volatility, with demand expected to decline...


Kazakhstan Gains FMD-Free Status, Boosting Livestock Export Prospects

ASTANA — Kazakhstan has officially been recognized as free of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) across its livestock sector, becoming the only country in Central and Eastern Asia with...


Dimash Fans Worldwide Turn Admiration Into Charity and Environmental Action

ASTANA — Fans of Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen from around the world are continuing to launch charitable, environmental and cultural initiatives inspired by the artist’s work and...


Kazakhstan Joins OPEC+ Production Increase for July

ASTANA — Kazakhstan will continue increasing oil production under the latest OPEC+ agreement, according to the Kazakh Energy Ministry. The announcement follows a virtual meeting of seven...


Kazakhstan’s Oilseed Industry Quadruples Export Revenue Up To $1 Billion in Four Years

ASTANA — Export revenue from Kazakhstan’s oilseed-processing industry has quadrupled over the past four years, reaching $963 million, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik...


Cirque du Soleil’s OVO Brings Insect-Inspired Spectacle to Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Cirque du Soleil’s acclaimed production OVO captivates audiences in the Kazakh capital from June 4-7 at Barys Arena, delighting both adults and children with its...


Kazakh Tazy Places Fourth at World Dog Show 2026

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s national dog breed, the tazy, drew international attention at the World Dog Show 2026 in Bologna, Italy, where a young Kazakh tazy named Chelsea...


Investor Protection Committee Monitors $205 Billion in Projects as Kazakhstan Strengthens Investor Safeguards

ASTANA – The Investor Rights Protection Committee oversees more than 3,000 projects worth over 100 trillion tenge ($205.6 billion), with prosecutors assigned to help investors resolve disputes,...


Singing in Kazakh, Winning Hearts Worldwide

ASTANA – Once largely confined to domestic audiences, Kazakh-language music is increasingly finding listeners around the world. Driven by streaming platforms and social media, a new generation...


Why World is Falling in Love with Kazakh Honey

ASTANA – From the flowering meadows of the Altai Mountains to the vast southern steppes, beekeeping has long been woven into Kazakhstan’s agricultural heritage. Today, as global...


Kazakhstan Expands Excavations at UNESCO-Nominated Silk Road Site

ALMATY  — Archaeologists have begun a new excavation season at the medieval settlement of Zhankent in Kazakhstan’s Kyzylorda Region, continuing efforts to uncover the history of one...


Kazakhstan Begins Construction of First Container Ship to Boost Middle Corridor Capacity

ASTANA – Construction of Kazakhstan’s first specialized 780 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEUs) container ship has officially begun at the Baku Shipyard, a significant step in expanding the...


What’s On This First Summer Weekend: Music, Art and More

ASTANA –  As the summer begins, Astana and Almaty come alive with a vibrant lineup of cultural, musical, and entertainment events. From captivating concerts to engaging exhibitions,...


Kazakhstan Enacts Key Constitutional Laws to Advance Political Reforms

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed on June 5 a package of constitutional laws to implement the provisions of the Constitution adopted on March 15....


Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva Wins Norway Chess 2026 Title

ASTANA – Kazakh chess player Bibisara Assaubayeva secured the Norway Chess Women 2026 title ahead of the final round after a strong showing at one of the...


Kazakh National Bank Lowers Base Rate to 17%

ASTANA – The Monetary Policy Committee of Kazakhstan’s National Bank decided on June 5 to set the base rate at 17% per year, with a ±1 percentage-point...


Air Astana Resumes Dubai Flights with Gradual Schedule Restoration

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s flagship airline, Air Astana, will gradually restore scheduled flights to Dubai from Almaty and Astana starting in June and July, following route adjustments caused...


Kazakhstan, Board of Peace Reaffirm Cooperation, Discuss Gaza Aid and Connectivity Projects

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Senior Advisor to the Board of Peace Aryeh Lightstone on June 4, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Middle Corridor Expansion, Cyprus Ties, and Hong Kong’s Central Asia Push

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s digest highlights the launch of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, expanding ties with...


Container Traffic on Middle Corridor More Than Doubles in May

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s national maritime shipping company Kazmortransflot reported a record monthly volume of container transportation along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the...


Kyrgyzstan Wins Historic UN Security Council Seat, Earns Kazakhstan’s Backing

ASTANA — Kyrgyzstan has secured a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council for 2027-2028, marking the first time the country will serve on the...


Tokayev Links Patriotism and Reform Agenda at State Symbols Day Ceremony

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev used Kazakhstan’s State Symbols Day ceremony on June 4 to highlight the country’s development path ahead of the 35th anniversary of independence,...


Cyprus and Kazakhstan Seek to Turn Strategic Location Into Economic Gains

ASTANA — Cyprus is seeking to become a gateway to European markets for Kazakh companies, while Kazakhstan aims to leverage its role as a key Eurasian transit...


Cyprus Opens First Embassy in Central Asia in Astana

ASTANA — Cyprus officially opened its embassy in Astana on June 3, establishing its first diplomatic mission in Central Asia and signaling a new stage in relations...


Why June 4 Matters: The Story Behind Kazakhstan’s State Symbols

ASTANA — Every year on June 4, Kazakhstan celebrates the Day of State Symbols, honoring the flag, emblem and anthem that have come to embody the country’s...


Kazakhstan’s Exporters Race to Adapt to Europe’s Carbon Border Tax

ASTANA –  Kazakhstan’s aluminum, iron and steel sectors are expected to be the most affected by the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), according to Fabiana...


Kazakhstan and Cyprus to Deepen Economic and Investment Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Cyprus agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation by expanding economic, investment, and sectoral ties following talks between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Cypriot President...


OpenAI Highlights Strong AI Growth and Adoption in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has joined the group of countries with a high level of artificial intelligence adoption, according to analytical insights presented by OpenAI during a visit...


Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway Capacity Boosted to 5 Million Tons, Strengthening Middle Corridor

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Minister of Transport Zhanbiek Taizhanov attended the official opening ceremony of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway on June 2 at Akhalkalaki railway station in...


Four Przewalski’s Horses Arrive in Kazakhstan for Reintroduction in Altyn Dala Reserve

ASTANA – Four Przewalski’s horses arrived in Kostanai on June 1 as part of the third group of endangered Przewalski’s horses brought from European breeding centers to...


Kazakhstan, Hong Kong and Mainland China Sign 42 Agreements to Expand Trade and Investment Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, and mainland China signed 42 commercial agreements and four intergovernmental memorandums, paving the way for closer cooperation in aviation, finance, technology, logistics,...


The Future is Turquoise: Why Kazakhstan May Become One of Eurasia’s New Model Regions

There is a color in Kazakhstan that is more than a national symbol. Turquoise is the color of the sky above the steppe, the color of openness,...


Kazakhstan Establishes Central Asia’s First Brain Institute

ASTANA – Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) launched the Brain Institute, the first specialized scientific and educational center of its kind in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, on...


EDB to Mark 20th Anniversary With Annual Meeting, Business Forum in Almaty

ASTANA — The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) will bring together policymakers, business leaders, development institutions and international experts in Almaty on June 25-26 for its Annual Meeting...


Kazakhstan Targets 8.4 GW of New Renewable Energy Capacity by 2035

ASTANA — Kazakhstan plans to commission 8.4 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2035 as part of its low-carbon development strategy, Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov said...


Alatau City Enters Next Phase as Tokayev Pushes for Faster Development

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reviewed progress on the development of Alatau City on June 2, describing the project as a “city of accelerated development” and outlining...


Hong Kong Chief Executive Sees Kazakhstan as Central Asia’s Gateway

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Hong Kong are uniquely positioned to serve as gateways to Central Asia and China, creating opportunities for deeper cooperation across trade, finance, education...


Kazakhstan Ranks Among World’s Top Rising Tech Hubs

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has entered the top 10 of the Rising Stars category in The Global Tech Ecosystem Index 2026 by analytical platform Dealroom.co. The ranking underscored...