Kazakh Startup Secures $50 Million to Drive Innovation in Video Creation
ALMATY– A Kazakh startup Higgsfield based on artificial intelligence has raised $50 million in a Series A funding round. The round was led by GFT Ventures with participation from BroadLight Capital, NextEquity Partners, AI Capital Partners, Menlo Ventures, and other strategic investors, the company announced on Sept. 10. The funding marks a major milestone for…
Tokayev Welcomes Global Legal Leaders, Showcases Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Progress
ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with participants of the International Forum on Constitutional Justice, titled “Peace and the Future Through Law,” on Sept. 11 in Astana. President Tokayev underlined the exceptional role of the Venice Commission and the advanced constitutional practices of other states, noting that they serve as important benchmarks in shaping democratic…
Kazakh Historical Drama to Compete at Golden Panda Awards in China
ALMATY – The Kazakh film “Qash” (Run), directed by Aisultan Seitov, will compete at the second Golden Panda Awards, which will be held in Chengdu, China, on Sept. 12–13. The film has been nominated in four categories, including Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Cinematography, and Best Original…
Astana Finance Days 2025: 5,500 Minds, $1.5 Trillion in Assets, One Vision
ALMATY – Astana Finance Days (AFD) held on Sept. 4-5 once again confirmed Kazakhstan’s role as a key financial hub for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The forum, titled “Where Capital Empowers the Future”, gathered more than 5,500 participants from 82 countries, including top global institutions managing $1.5 trillion in assets. This year, AFD opened…
Kazakhstan, Hungary Expand Academic Ties Through Water Diplomacy Program
ALMATY – The Kazakh National University of Water Resources and Irrigation (KazNUVHI) in Taraz has partnered with Hungary’s Corvinus University to launch a joint master’s program in water resource management with a focus on water diplomacy. The European Commission awarded a €60,000 Erasmus Mundus Design Measure grant in August to a consortium of three European…
Kazakhstan Expands Free AI Training for Teachers Nationwide
ALMATY – More than 200,000 teachers across Kazakhstan have completed a free training program on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, as part of the government’s ongoing effort to enhance digital literacy among educators. At the start of the new academic year, over 140,000 teachers received certificates after completing the course, while thousands…
Kazakhstan Strengthens Role as New Aviation Bridge Between Europe and Asia
ALMATY – Kazakhstan is strengthening its role as a key aviation hub, as Almaty hosts the Third CANSO Euro-Asia ANSP’s CEO Summit on Sept. 10–11. The high-level meeting brings together the chief executives of air navigation service providers (ANSPs) from across Europe and Asia, along with representatives of global aviation organizations. At the summit, participants…
Kazakhstan Launches Direct Wheat Shipments to Vietnam Without Container Transfers
ALMATY – Kazakhstan has carried out the first direct transportation of wheat to Vietnam without container transshipment, marking a new step in the country’s export logistics. Between May and September, Kedentransservice JSC, a subsidiary of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, in cooperation with Fort LLP and the shipper NC Food Contract Corporation JSC, organized the shipment of…
Kazakh Figure Skater Mikhail Shaidorov Talks Preparations for Olympics in Italy
ALMATY – Kazakh rising figure skating star Mikhail Shaidorov discussed his preparation for the upcoming season and the 2026 Olympic Games in Italy, speaking to The Astana Times during an open training session in Almaty on Sept. 6. During the meeting, the champion presented part of his new programs and shared insights about his journey.…
Kazakhstan to Boost Economic Growth Through Rare-Earth Production and SEZ Expansion
ALMATY — Kazakh Minister of Industry and Construction Yersayin Nagaspayev introduced a wide range of reforms aimed at strengthening special economic zones (SEZs) and expanding rare-earth metal production during a government meeting on Sept. 9, chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. Enhancing SEZs to attract investment Nagaspayev emphasized that SEZs remain one of the country’s…
Kazakhstan Emerges as Regional Leader in Medical Tourism, Expert Says
ALMATY — Kazakhstan has become the leading country among CIS states in terms of medical tourism growth, according to Kristina Krivets, president of Kazakhstan’s Association of Medical Tourism. Established in 2022, the association has witnessed an exponential increase in the number of medical tourists. In its founding year, Kazakhstan registered 1,280 medical visitors. That figure…
Kazakhstan to Modernize Passenger Railcar Fleet by 2030
ALMATY — Kazakhstan is set to completely renew its passenger railcar fleet by 2030. The large-scale modernization program aims to enhance passenger comfort, safety and travel efficiency, reported the Samruk Kazyna Fund’s press service on Sept. 8. The first 51 passenger railcars, manufactured at the domestic Stadler Kazakhstan plant in Astana, will be delivered by…
Kazakhstan Receives Rare 11th-Century Map Depicting Central Asia
ALMATY – Kazakh National Center of Manuscripts and Rare Books received a copy of a unique 11th-century map on Sept. 8. The map shows parts of Central Asia, including the territory of modern Kazakhstan. The artifact was donated by the British Embassy and originates from the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, reported the…
Kazakhstan-Originated Industrial Group to Launch Manufacturing Project in US
ALMATY – 1Thirty Holding, a leading company in chemical manufacturing and industrial innovation, has held high-level talks with senior leadership of the United States Chamber of Commerce to launch a new industrial project in the U.S. The meeting took place in Astana with Khush Choksy, Senior Vice President, and Jennifer Miel, Vice President for Middle…
Tokayev: Kazakhstan to Boost Science, Elevate Blue-Collar Professions, and Reform Migration Policy
ASTANA – Kazakhstan will strengthen its transition to a knowledge-based economy by integrating the management of science, education, and innovation, while also raising the prestige of working professions and tightening migration policy, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said in his Sept. 8 state-of-the-nation address. “In the context of the transition to a knowledge economy, it is important…
Tokayev Calls for Unified Digital Water Platform to Address Resource Challenges
ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed the government to create a unified digital platform for managing Kazakhstan’s water resources, emphasizing the sector’s strategic importance for social stability. He addressed the issue during his annual state-of-the-nation address on Sept. 8. Tokayev stressed that resolving water management challenges is one of Kazakhstan’s top priorities. Over the…
Kazakhstan to Expand Nuclear Energy, Accelerate High-Tech Industrial Projects
ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the strategic importance of developing nuclear energy to secure Kazakhstan’s energy future and ensure sustainable economic growth during his annual state-of-the-nation address on Sept. 8 at a joint session of the parliament’s chambers. Tokayev announced that over the next five years, Kazakhstan plans to introduce an additional 6.3 GW…
Tokayev Targets $1 Billion Tech Investment, Proposes State Digital Asset Fund
ALMATY — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed measures to optimize the use of the National Fund and accelerate the development of a digital asset ecosystem during his annual state-of-the-nation address on Sept. 8. Tokayev proposed renaming the Committee for the Return of Illegally Acquired Assets under the Prosecutor General’s Office into the Committee for the…
Tokayev Calls for Overhaul of Investment Policy to Drive Growth
ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed the government to develop a comprehensive action plan for a fundamental overhaul of Kazakhstan’s investment policy during his annual state-of-the-nation address on Sept. 8. Speaking at a recent meeting on economic development, Tokayev stressed that, despite growing global competition for capital, Kazakhstan must create the conditions for a…
Kazakhstan Passport Climbs to 61st in Global Index, Strongest in Central Asia
ALMATY – Kazakhstan has strengthened its standing in the Henley Passport Index 2025, climbing two positions to 61st place. The updated ranking released on Aug. 20 shows that Kazakh citizens can now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 79 destinations worldwide, reflecting the country’s growing global mobility. Within Central Asia, Kazakhstan continues to lead the…
Immersive Sonic Experience Brings Art and Ecology Together at Charyn Canyon
ALMATY – Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan’s natural wonder, turned into the stage for a unique musical and ecological experience on Aug. 31, as the first-ever SUAQ audio expedition in the Sonic Journey format invited visitors to explore the relationship between sound, silence and nature. Organized by TOLK Studio in collaboration with the Qazaq National Parks (QNP),…
Kazakhstan Boosts Cargo Capacity on Transcaspian Corridor Sixfold
ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s role as a regional transport hub continues to strengthen as cargo shipments along the Transcaspian International Transport Route (TITR) have increased sixfold over the past five years, rising from 800,000 tonnes in 2020 to 4.5 million tonnes in 2024. The figures were announced on Sept. 4 by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev…
Kazakhstan Expands Gold, Silver and Copper Reserves Through New Deposits
ALMATY – Kazakhstan has recorded a significant increase in the reserves of solid minerals following the registration of five new deposits on the State Geological Register in 2025. The newly identified sites – Kok-Zhon, Altyn-Shoko, Samombet, Studencheskiy and Takyr-Kaldzhir – are expected to substantially strengthen the country’s mineral resource base, according to the Prime Minister’s…
Kazakhstan Accelerates Industrial Modernization and Diversification
ALMATY – Kazakhstan demonstrates a profound transformation of the industrial sector, developing high-value-added production to introduce systemic measures for the country’s industrial sovereignty reinforcement, in alignment with the priorities set out in the President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s 2024 state-of-the-nation address. Industrial sector shows strong momentum Kazakhstan’s industrial output grew by 6.9% in the first seven months…
Kazakhstan, Mongolia Promote Investment, Strengthen Parliamentary Cooperation
ALMATY – Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov and Chairman of the Investment Committee Gabidulla Ospankulov met with Dashzegviin Amarbayasgalan, Chairman of the State Great Khural of Mongolia, along with members of the Mongolian parliamentary and business delegation to discuss investment and trade partnership during a high-level meeting in Astana on Sept. 4. The…
