Kazakhstan Boosts Water Infrastructure With Over $1 Billion Investment Drive
ALMATY — Kazakhstan has attracted 579 billion tenge (approximately US$1.08 billion) in investments into fixed capital in the water sector over the past two years, as the country accelerates large-scale modernization of water infrastructure and digital water management, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov said at a press briefing in Astana on Dec.…
KazMunayGas Refineries Reach Record Oil Processing and Fuel Output in 2025
ALMATY — Refineries operated by KazMunayGas (KMG) have reached historic highs in oil processing and production of petroleum products, driven by higher operational efficiency and modernization efforts, Chairman of the Management Board Askhat Khassenov said during a working meeting on Dec. 19 in Shymkent. Summing up preliminary results for 2025 and outlining plans through 2030,…
How Ancient Steppe Builders Used Turgay Geoglyphs to Track Sun
ALMATY — Ancient geoglyphs in Kazakhstan’s Turgai Trough in northern Kazakhstan once again demonstrated their connection to solar cycles on Dec. 21, the day of the winter solstice, reinforcing scientific arguments that the structures functioned as early astronomical and calendar systems. According to Kostanai-based researcher Dmitry Dey, the phenomenon occurs every year when the sun…
Google Launches Gemini AI in Kazakh
ALMATY — Google has launched its artificial intelligence model Gemini in the Kazakh language, expanding access to advanced AI tools for users in Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development announced on Dec. 19. The release is part of Google’s global expansion of language support for its most advanced AI system to date.…
More Borders, Fewer Stamps: Kazakhstan’s Passport Strengthens in 2025
ALMATY — Kazakhstan’s passport has strengthened its standing in global mobility rankings in 2025, offering visa-free access to 79 countries and leading Central Asia in international travel freedom, according to the Committee of Migration Service under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Summarizing the 2025 results, the committee reported issuing 1.9 million national ID cards, 1.1…
Tokyo Declaration to Bring New Level of Cooperation Between Central Asia and Japan
ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined Kazakhstan’s strategic vision for expanding political, economic, and technological cooperation during the first Central Asia–Japan Summit in Tokyo on Dec. 20, where leaders adopted the Tokyo Declaration and agreed to elevate the format to a new level. Speaking alongside Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and leaders of Central Asian states,…
Kazakhstan, Japan Expand Strategic Collaboration Across Critical Minerals, Smart Technologies, and Infrastructure
ALMATY — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official trip to Japan continued with a series of meetings with senior executives of leading Japanese corporations, resulting in new momentum for cooperation in critical minerals, industrial manufacturing, smart technologies, and workforce development. As part of his official visit, President Tokayev met with Ichiro Takahara, Chairman of the Japan Organization…
Kazakhstan, Japan Boost Strategic Ties with Smart City Deal and Technology Partnerships
ALMATY – Kazakhstan and Japan elevated their cooperation in digital innovation, smart city development, and high-tech investment during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to on Dec. 18–19, which resulted in a new capital-to-capital partnership agreement and progress on joint projects in biotechnology, AI, and nuclear medicine. During his visit, Tokayev met on Dec. 18 with…
Weekend Guide: Festive Performances, Winter Premieres and New Year Events in Astana and Almaty
ASTANA — As the holiday season approaches, residents of Astana and Almaty can enjoy a festive weekend full of concerts, children’s shows, theatrical premieres, and winter-themed activities. The Astana Times editorial team has curated a selection of events taking place across both cities. Astana Enchanting spectacle “New Year Symphony of Wonders”, Dec. 20–21 This interactive…
Almaty’s FC Kairat Ranks Among World’s Top 500 Clubs, Outperforming All Central Asian Teams
ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s FC Kairat has been recognized as one of the 500 best football clubs in the world, according to the global ranking of the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) published on Dec. 11. The Almaty club became the only representative of Kazakhstan on the list, securing 240th place with 90.75…
Tokayev Sets Out Ambitious Agenda to Strengthen Kazakhstan’s Energy Security
ALMATY — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has outlined a comprehensive set of priorities aimed at strengthening Kazakhstan’s energy sector, emphasizing large-scale infrastructure projects, energy independence, environmental modernization, and the development of nuclear and renewable power. The goals were presented as part of the country’s long-term strategy to eliminate electricity shortages and enhance national security, reported the…
Tajikistan Highlights Border Accord as Foundation for Deeper Regional Cooperation
ALMATY – Tajikistan has entered a new stage of stability and regional confidence, President Emomali Rahmon said in his annual address to the parliament, emphasizing that 2025 marked one of the most historic years in the country’s modern era. According to Rahmon, the full settlement of border issues with the Kyrgyz Republic has created a…
Kazakhstan Strengthens Grain Export Logistics Amid Record Harvest and Rising Stocks
ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s grain exporters are encouraged to begin shipping new-season wheat before the end of 2025 to qualify for transport reimbursement payments scheduled for early 2026. More than 30 billion tenge (approximately US$60.6 million) will be allocated next year to support grain exporters through the state program aimed at offsetting rising logistics costs. According…
Kazakhstan Boosts Air Connectivity with New Thailand, Georgia Routes, Plans 100 Extra Holiday Flights
ALMATY — Kazakhstan continues to broaden its international flight network, as the Ministry of Transport announced the launch of new air routes to Thailand and Georgia, alongside plans to operate 100 additional domestic flights during the upcoming holiday season. Kazakh airline SCAT will begin operating a new direct route between Shymkent and Bangkok from Dec.…
Kazakhstan’s Capital Investments Expand as Economy Shows Growth
ALMATY — Capital investments in Kazakhstan increased by 13.3% year-on-year to reach 18.5 trillion tenge (approximately US$40.7 billion) in January–November 2025 period, driven primarily by private-sector activity, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin said at a Dec. 17 government meeting. According to Zhumangarin, private investments rose by 9.8%, underscoring growing business…
Kazakhstan’s Digital Impact Grows as TikTok Trends Reach Global Audiences
ALMATY – Kazakhstan became one of TikTok’s standout phenomena in 2025, inspiring creators from Indonesia, South Korea, Mexico, the United States and beyond. Users worldwide launched a dedicated trend celebrating Kazakhstan, followed by performances of Kazakh songs. Creators chose an eclectic mix of music from pop hits by Kairat Nurtas, Sadraddin, Kairat Baekenov, and Format,…
Kazakhstan, China to Build Smart Water Technology Plant in Taraz
ALMATY – Taraz will host a new high-tech plant for smart water management and irrigation systems, established under a cooperation agreement between the Kazakh Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and a consortium of Chinese companies, signed by Minister Nurzhan Nurzhigitov and Director and Chief Economist of Yellow River Engineering Consulting Yin Dewen, reported the…
Kazakhstan to Expand Energy Capacity and Accelerate AI Integration in Utilities
ALMATY – Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov outlined Kazakhstan’s major achievements in the energy sector in 2025 and detailed upcoming reforms across oil and gas, electricity generation, and digitalization at a Dec. 15 briefing held at Astana Hub. The minister emphasized that the government continued to implement large-scale transformations, reshaping the fuel market, oil refining,…
KazAID Turns Five: Kazakhstan Strengthens Contribution to Global Sustainable Growth
ALMATY – The Kazakhstan Agency of International Development (KazAID) marks its fifth anniversary, underscoring the country’s evolution from a recipient of foreign aid to an emerging donor shaping global sustainable development. Established on Dec. 15, 2020, as Kazakhstan’s national operator for official development assistance (ODA), the agency works under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and…
FC Kairat Goalkeeper Tops SofaScore Champions League Player Rankings
ALMATY – Almaty’s FC Kairat’s goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov has reached a new milestone in his breakout season, taking the number one spot in the UEFA Champions League player rankings compiled by statistics platform SofaScore. According to the latest data, Anarbekov leads the tournament with an impressive average rating of 8.90, placing him ahead of some…
Dimash Qudaibergen to Premiere Biggest Concert Ever with Global Icons in Budapest
ALMATY – Budapest will host a landmark musical event on April 18, 2026 at MVM Dome as Dimash Qudaibergen, Placido Domingo, and Hauser, will share a stage for the first time, marking a world premiere that organizers describe as a rare moment in contemporary music. The concert will feature exclusive new arrangements and specially created…
KazTransOil Increases Oil Supply to Kyrgyz Republic, Resumes Transit to Uzbekistan
ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s national oil transporter KazTransOil, a subsidiary of national company KazMunayGas, announced an expansion of export routes with increased supplies to the Kyrgyz Republic and the resumption of oil transit to Uzbekistan in December 2025. According to the company, oil shipments to the Kyrgyz Republic restarted in November, marking the first deliveries since…
Kazakhstan’s SME Sector Reaches New Economic Milestones
ALMATY – Supporting small and medium-sized businesses remains one of Kazakhstan’s top priorities. As a result of sustained policy measures, Kazakhstan has seen consistent growth in the SME sector and its role in the national economy. According to the Bureau of National Statistics, one in five Kazakh citizens now works in business, and the share…
Kazakhstan Secures Six Medals, Finishes Second at IBA World Championships
ALMATY – Kazakhstan delivered a powerful performance at the 2025 IBA Boxing World Championships in Dubai on Dec. 4-13, securing second place in the overall medal standings with a total of six medals. The national team finished the tournament with three gold, one silver, and two bronze medals, demonstrating strong depth and consistent performance across…
Kazakhstan Releases First Textbook on Using Development Aid as Soft Power Tool
ALMATY – The Kazakhstan Agency for International Development (KazAID), in partnership with Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU), has released the country’s first comprehensive textbook dedicated to Official Development Assistance (ODA) and its role in promoting Kazakhstan’s soft power abroad. The publication marks an important milestone, reflecting Kazakhstan’s transformation from a recipient of international aid to…
