Kazakhstan Delivers Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan with partners has provided humanitarian aid to farmers in Logar Province, Afghanistan, as part of the newly launched Promotion of Wheat Cultivation for Sustainable Development in...


Kazakhstan to Establish Six Specially Protected Natural Areas

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will establish six specially protected natural areas, said Daniyar Turgambayev, the chairman of the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology, Geology, and...


Kazakh Economy Strengthens Amid Global Challenges Over Last Six Years

ASTANA – Despite challenges such as the coronavirus pandemic and global geopolitical tensions, Kazakhstan has made significant economic progress over the past six years under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s leadership,...


Kazakhstan Expands Cooperation with US in Energy

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s delegation, led by Energy Minister Almassadam Satkaliyev, met with representatives of the United States (U.S.) Chamber of Commerce, headed by Senior Vice President Khush Choksy, on...


Historic Milestone for Kazakhstan: Kyzaibay Secures Third World Boxing Gold

ASTANA – Kazakh boxer Nazym Kyzaibay won the 2025 International Boxing Association (IBA) Women’s World Boxing Championships from March 9 to 16 in Niš, Serbia, reported the National Olympic...


Canadian Company Secures Critical Minerals License in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Canada-based Condor Energies secured a 6,800-hectare critical minerals exploration license, granted for six years, in Kazakhstan, reported Mining Technology on March 10.  The new Kolkuduk license is...


EDB Forecast: Kazakhstan on Track to Join High-Income Countries by 2028

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is projected to join the ranks of high-income countries by 2028-2029, according to macroeconomic forecast from the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) released on March 13. According...


Kazakhstan Explores Alternative Energy Opportunities 

ASTANA – The development of alternative energy sources in Kazakhstan does not necessitate substantial government investments. Instead, market incentives play a much more important role than funding, reported Kazinform.  ...


From Governance to Economics and Welfare: Key Points from Tokayev’s 2022-2024 Reforms

ASTANA – Over the last three years Kazakhstan has undertaken large-scale political, economic and social reforms aimed at building Just Kazakhstan: from modernizing the governance system to improving the...


Adaptive Physical Education Transforms Lives 

ASTANA – For Zhanna Soltanbekova, social entrepreneur and director of the BLUE FOX adaptive physical education center in Ust-Kamenogorsk, physical activity is crucial for children’s development. In an interview...


National Kurultai: Tourism, Sports and Conservation for Regional Dev’t in Spotlight 

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined key initiatives aimed at bolstering regional development, with a strong focus on tourism, sports infrastructure and environmental conservation during the fourth meeting of...


Tourism is Growing, but Improvements are Needed, Says Kazakh Official 

ASTANA – Tourism is becoming one of the priority sectors in Kazakhstan’s economy. The industry showed growth last year but there is a lot of work ahead, Deputy Minister...


Kazakh Journalist’s Book Sheds Light on Legacy of Joshy, Genghis Khan’s Eldest Son

ASTANA – Kazakh journalist and documentary producer Maya Bekbayeva explores a thrilling account of Joshy Khan, Genghis Khan’s eldest son, his life and contribution to the formation of Kazakh...


Tokayev Highlights Nauryz Celebration, Abai’s Legacy and Cultural Revitalization

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underscored the cultural significance of the ten-day Nauryz celebration, the promotion of national clothing and the ongoing development of the Abai Institute during...


Tokayev Announces Major Infrastructure and Innovation Initiatives at National Kurultai

ASTANA — Speaking at the National Kurultai in Burabai on March 14, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev unveiled a series of ambitious projects aimed at strengthening Kazakhstan’s infrastructure, regional development, and...


Astana Finance Days 2025 to Take Place in September

ASTANA—The eighth Astana Finance Days (AFD) will be held on Sept. 4-5 and will bring together over 5,000 participants, according to the Astana International Financial Centre’s press service. The...


President Calls for Realistic Approach to Kazakhstan’s Future

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for a pragmatic approach as Kazakhstan nears its 40th anniversary of independence at the National Kurultai on March 14. Tokayev emphasized the...


Tokayev: Globalism is Losing Relevance as Nations Prioritize Their Interests

ASTANA – Globalism is losing relevance, giving way to state nationalism, the struggle for spheres of influence, and the regionalization of global politics, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a...


Tokayev Calls for Transparent Tax Reform to Strengthen Kazakhstan’s Economy 

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the crucial role of tax reform in the country’s future, calling it the foundation of the state system and the key to...


Discover Top Spring Weekend Activities in Astana and Almaty

ASTANA – Spring is settling in, bringing warmth and a sense of renewal to Astana and Almaty. March 14 is a special day, marked by an Amal holiday, also...


Kazakhstan Welcomes Peace Agreement Between Azerbaijan and Armenia

ASTANA — Kazakhstan welcomes the statements from the Ministries of foreign affairs of Azerbaijan and Armenia regarding the conclusion of negotiations on the draft Agreement on Peace and the...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Middle Corridor, Neo Nomad Visa and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has curated a selection of articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest includes topics such as the Middle Corridor,...


Kazakhstan’s SCAT Airlines Expands Routes with New Flights to Seoul

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s SCAT Airlines will launch Shymkent-Seoul flight on May 29. The flights will operate twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. Thus, the total number of flights...


Kazakh PM Reviews Progress on Nuclear Energy Development in Abai Region

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov visited the Abai Region and reviewed the progress of the country’s energy development and nuclear cluster initiatives. The Prime Minister’s press service...


Kazakhstan’s National Bank Introduces ÚKI Investment Coin Within Gold Coin Project

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s National Bank will launch the Gold Coin project, a digital equivalent of the investment coin, on March 17. According to a press release from the bank...


President Tokayev Congratulates Nation on Amal Holiday, Emphasizing Unity and Tradition

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated the nation on the Amal holiday (‘Korisu’ in Kazakh, meaning to meet each other) or the Day of Greeting, on March 14....


Kazakhstan Develops Unified Database of Rare Animals

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has completed large-scale work on a unified database of rare and endangered animal species, Kazinform reported on March 12. According to Marina Chirikova, the deputy director...


EU Reaffirms Commitment to Deepen Engagement with Kazakhstan

ASTANA — The EU intends to ensure deeper and more sustainable engagement with Kazakhstan and other Central Asian states, EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela said at a...


President Tokayev Supports Supercomputer Cluster Creation in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the strategic importance of developing Kazakhstan’s digital infrastructure, particularly the creation of a supercomputer cluster, during a March 13 meeting with Presight.AI CEO...


Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan Sign Historic Border Agreement

ASTANA – President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon signed a landmark agreement on the state border on March 13 during Rahmon’s official...


Exhibition Showcases Ancient Kazakh Jewelry and Manuscripts

ASTANA – The National Archive of Kazakhstan hosted an exhibition featuring ancient jewelry and historical manuscripts collected by ethnographer Bahargul Tolegenova, reported Kazinform on March 10.  The display included...


KazMunayGas Advances Kashagan Development and Energy Initiatives in US Meetings

ASTANA — KazMunayGas (KMG) Chairman Askhat Khassenov reinforced Kazakhstan’s commitment to the full-scale development of the Kashagan oilfield and broader energy initiatives during key meetings with industry leaders in...


EU Deepens Global Gateway Partnership with Kazakhstan with Deals in Critical Raw Materials and Transport 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the European Union concluded key agreements on March 13 in Astana under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy as part of the visit of EU Commissioner...


Kazakhstan’s GDP Growth Reaches 5.4% in Two Months of 2024

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s GDP grew 5.4% in January-February, as reported during a March 12 meeting of the economic bloc ministries chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. According to the...


President Tokayev to Address Fourth National Kurultai Tomorrow

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will participate in the fourth meeting of the National Kurultai (Congress) on March 14 in Burabai, reported Akorda. He will deliver a speech, while...


Kazakhstan Ranks 100th in 2025 Global Terrorism Index, Indicating Low Risk

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has secured the 100th position in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), published by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP). The GTI assesses countries based...


World Bank Economist Explains How Europe & Central Asia Can Escape Middle-Income Trap

ASTANA – Economists have studied for decades why some countries struggle to transition from middle-income status to high-income, while some thrive. In a conversation with The Astana Times, World...


Kazakhstan Explores Investment and Technology Cooperation with US Companies

ASTANA – Gabidulla Ospankulov, chairman of the Investment Committee of Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry, and Marat Birimzhan, overseas representative of Kazakh Invest national company, met with leadership from major U.S....


Kazakhstan Reports Strong Growth in Subsoil Use Revenues, Foreign Investment 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s subsoil use auctions in 2024 generated more than 5.7 billion tenge (US$11.7 million) in budget revenues, the Ministry of Industry and Construction reported in response to...


Kazakhstan Holds Strategic Talks at CERAWeek 2025 to Strengthen Global Energy Partnerships

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev engaged in discussions with global energy leaders at CERAWeek 2025 in Houston, the United States. Meetings with S&P Global Vice Chairman Daniel...


Kazakhstan Wins Legal Battle Against Canadian Uranium Company, Avoids $65 Million Payment

ASTANA – Kazakhstan secured a major legal victory on Feb. 28, when the High Court of London overturned a previous ruling requiring the country to pay $65 million to...


Kazakhstan Expands Rare-Earth Metal Projects With $8 Million Lithium Exploration

ASTANA – Kazakh Ministry of Industry and Construction has announced new projects for exploring and extracting rare and rare-earth metals, reported Kazinform. The country has signed strategic agreements with...


Kazakhstan Allocates Recovered Assets to Rebuild Sports Stadium in Capital

ASTANA — The Kazakh government will allocate returned illegally acquired assets from the Special State Fund to finance the construction of a new Kazhymukan Munaitpasov Central Stadium in the...


Kazakhstan Grants Neo Nomad Visa to Five More Foreign Nationals

ASTANA — Kazakhstan has granted the Neo Nomad Visa to five more foreign citizens, including three from the United States, one from the United Kingdom, and one from Latvia. ...


Central Eurasia’s Tech Future Takes Shape in Silicon Valley

ASTANA — Silk Road Innovation Hub ended last year on a high note by hosting a Silicon Valley conference in October at San Francisco’s renowned Yerba Buena Arts Center...


Kazakhstan, India Strengthen Ties via North-South Transport Corridor

ASTANA – Kazakh and Indian experts discussed trade relations and the role of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) in boosting economic ties during a special event on March...


UN Nuclear Weapons Ban Conference Chaired by Kazakhstan Concludes with Key Agreements

ASTANA—The Third Conference of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), chaired by Kazakhstan, concluded on March 7 at UN headquarters. The Ministry of...


Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan Strengthen Multifaceted Interstate Ties

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the importance of Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov’s official visit to Astana on March 11 in strengthening multifaceted interstate ties, reported Akorda. Bayramov...


SCAT Airlines to Launch Shymkent-Munich Route in May

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s SCAT Airlines will launch a direct Shymkent-Munich flight on May 27, reported the airline’s press service. The flights will operate three times a week on Tuesdays,...


National Bank Raises Base Rate Amid Economic Challenges, Analyst Says

ASTANA — The National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) has raised the base rate from 15.25% to 16.5%, an unprecedented 1.25 percentage point increase amid growing economic uncertainty.  Independent financial...