Two Amur Tiger Cubs Planned for Release in Kazakhstan in May 2027
ASTANA – Two young Amur tigers brought from Russia as part of Kazakhstan’s tiger reintroduction program are planned to be released into the wild in May 2027, marking the next stage of efforts to restore the species in the Ili-Balkhash ecosystem. “Two tiger cubs are planned to be released in spring 2027, in May. They…
Historic KMG Dim Sum Bond Issue Sets New Benchmark for Yuan Financing in Kazakhstan
ASTANA – KazMunayGas’ (KMG) historic issuance of 3.5 billion yuan (US$520.3 million) in Dim Sum bonds could mark a new stage in Kazakhstan’s access to yuan-denominated financing, financial analyst Andrei Chebotaryov said. The transaction, which includes the first 10-year Dim Sum bonds issued by a company from Kazakhstan and Central Asia, attracted more than 25…
Kazakhstan Has Begun Structural Shift Toward Non-Resource Economy, Expert Says
ASTANA – Kazakhstan has entered a new investment cycle that is beginning to change not only the volume but also the structure of capital entering the economy, according to the country’s leading financial analyst Rassul Rysmambetov. While the country remains dependent on extractive industries, growing investment in manufacturing, processing and high-technology production suggests that the…
Rybakina Begins US Open Campaign With World No. 1 Ranking in Sight
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina has moved to No. 1 in the WTA live rankings as the US Open women’s singles main draw gets underway in New York, putting her within reach of becoming the first Kazakh player to top the official world rankings. Rybakina currently leads the live standings with 7,911 points. Aryna Sabalenka…
Kazakhstan, CERN Advance Framework for Kazakh Scientists’ Participation in Research
ASTANA – Kazakhstan and CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research and a leading global center for particle physics, are advancing a new mechanism that will enable Kazakh scientists to participate in CERN research experiments and scientific internships. This was discussed at a meeting between acting Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek and…
Karin Elected Vice President as Bektenov Stays on as Prime Minister
ASTANA – Erlan Karin was elected vice president of Kazakhstan on Aug. 31, while the Kurultai also backed Olzhas Bektenov to remain as prime minister, filling two of the country’s most senior posts as the new unicameral parliament began its work. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev nominated both candidates during a meeting with the leaders of political…
Kazakhstan’s First Kurultai Takes on Legislative Modernization and Institutional Reform
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has outlined a broad legislative and institutional agenda for Kazakhstan’s first Kurultai, calling on deputies to modernize national legislation, strengthen the quality of lawmaking and help build a stronger system of checks and balances. Speaking at the opening session of the first Kurultai on Aug. 28, Tokayev said the new…
Singapore’s Lee: Nations Must Keep Reinventing to Stay Competitive
ASTANA – Singapore’s experience shows that countries seeking long-term economic competitiveness must be prepared to adapt their policies and institutions to changing circumstances continuously, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said during a lecture at Nazarbayev University on Aug. 27. Speaking to students and the academic community, Lee outlined Singapore’s development journey from the 1950s, highlighting…
Kazakhstan’s First Kurultai Session Begins in Astana
ASTANA – The first session of Kazakhstan’s Kurultai of the first convocation began on Aug. 28, marking the start of work of the country’s new unicameral legislature. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the launch of the Kurultai marks the beginning of a new stage in Kazakhstan’s political development. “The unicameral legislative body of the country, the…
Experts: Political Trust Sets Stage for Next Phase of Kazakhstan-Singapore Partnership
ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Singapore need to translate strong political ties and mutual trust into tangible economic outcomes, including more investment, joint projects and technology exchange, as cooperation expands into transport, artificial intelligence, digitalization and other strategic sectors, according to experts. “The key now is to translate the excellent political relationship and mutual trust between…
Why Kazakhstan’s Aviation Hub Ambitions Could Generate More Than Transit Revenue
ASTANA – Kazakhstan is investing heavily in airports, cargo infrastructure and international connectivity. But the bigger economic question is whether a growing aviation network can generate more than transit income – and become a platform for logistics, exports and higher-value economic activity. Building the infrastructure for a regional hub The government is upgrading aviation infrastructure…
Tokayev: Kurultai Elections Could Be ‘Most Interesting’ in Kazakhstan’s History
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called Kazakhstan’s first elections to the new unicameral Kurultai a historic event and urged citizens, notably young people, to take part in the Aug. 23 vote. In an address to the nation on Aug. 21, Tokayev described the campaign as substantive, open and competitive, highlighting televised debates, meetings with…
News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Reforms, Investment and Regional Role
ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles on Kazakhstan featured in international media worldwide this week. Today’s foreign media digest covers Kazakhstan’s AI education initiatives, political reforms and upcoming Kurultai election, investment prospects, and growing role in Central Asian and Eurasian cooperation. Kazakhstan rolls out AI education from school to university In the 2026-27…
Kazakhstan’s Fertilizer Industry Could Strengthen Food Security and Export Potential
ASTANA – Kazakhstan is expanding domestic fertilizer production to reduce import dependence, support agriculture and develop higher-value exports. Major nitrogen and potassium projects planned by 2030 could help create a more complete domestic fertilizer industry. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly stressed the importance of expanding domestic fertilizer production to reduce import dependence and develop export…
Heatwave Drives Electricity Demand Growth in Kazakhstan
ASTANA – Abnormally high temperatures have contributed to rising electricity consumption and increased pressure on Kazakhstan’s power system, notably during evening peak hours, according to the Ministry of Energy. The ministry said the national energy system is operating normally, while additional demand is mainly observed during periods of maximum consumption. Higher temperatures have increased the…
News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s AI Push, Belgium Ties, Elections and More
ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest features Kazakhstan’s AI ambitions, ties with Belgium, preparations for the Kurultai elections, and the Middle Corridor. How China is aiding Kazakh efforts to become hyper modern The Diplomat published an article on July 21 about Kazakhstan’s…
Kazakhstan to Launch Astana Bus Brand, Begin Electric Bus Production in 2027
ASTANA – Kazakhstan will begin serial production of domestically branded buses under the Astana name in November, marking a major step in expanding the country’s automotive manufacturing, Astana Motors Chairman Nurlan Smagulov announced at a government meeting on July 21. The project is one of the company’s flagship initiatives aimed at broadening Kazakhstan’s lineup of…
Astana Unveils Competition Schedule for Games of Future 2026
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has released the competition schedule for the international Phygital Games of the Future 2026, scheduled for July 29-Aug. 9, bringing together athletes and gamers in competitions that combine physical and digital disciplines. The tournament will open with the 3on3 Freestyle phygital basketball event on July 29, followed…
Kazakhstan to Produce Li Auto, Omoda, Jaecoo Vehicles, Autonomous Trucks by 2028
ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to launch production of Li Auto, Omoda, and Jaecoo vehicles by 2028 as part of a broader effort to expand its automotive industry, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and introduce advanced technologies, Minister of Industry and Construction Yersayin Nagaspayev said at a July 21 government meeting. The initiative follows agreements reached during President…
UNESCO Committee Reviews Kazakhstan’s Bid to List Mangystau Rock Mosques as World Heritage
ASTANA – The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has begun reviewing Kazakhstan’s nomination of the Rock Mosques of Mangystau and Associated Sacred Sites for inscription on the World Heritage List during its 48th session in Busan, South Korea. The 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee opened on July 19 in Busan and will run…
Kazakhstan to Launch Nationwide Interbank Phone Number and QR Payment System This Weekend
ASTANA – Kazakhstan will launch its nationwide Interbank Mobile Payment System (IMPS) on July 19, enabling customers to make instant transfers by phone number and QR-code payments between participating banks. The National Bank presented the latest progress in implementing the National Digital Financial Infrastructure (NDFI) on July 17, highlighting the rollout of the Interbank Mobile…
Kazakhstan, EBRD Advance QaJET Platform Ahead of COP31 Launch
ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) reviewed preparations for the launch of the QaJET National Investment Platform for a Just Energy Transition at COP31 in November, as both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation on sustainable development and climate finance. First Deputy Foreign Minister Yerzhan Ashikbayev met on…
Tokayev Reviews First-Half Economic Results and AI Development Plans
ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reviewed Kazakhstan’s socio-economic performance for the first half of the year at a July 13 meeting with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and instructed the government to launch a large-scale program to build social and infrastructure facilities, with a focus on modern healthcare projects. Economy maintains growth Bektenov reported that Kazakhstan’s…
Kazakhstan’s Ice Cream Exports Jump 77% as Production Rises
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s ice cream exports surged 77% in value in January-April, driven by strong production and growing demand across neighboring markets. Kazakhstan produced 35,100 tons of ice cream between January and May, reported the Bureau of National Statistics on July 10. The Almaty Region remained the country’s main production hub, accounting for 23,300 tons,…
Air Astana Suspends Dubai Flights as AJET Expands Kazakhstan-Türkiye Services
ASTANA — Air Astana has suspended flights to Dubai due to the escalating situation in the Middle East, while Turkish carrier AJET is set to increase flights between Kazakhstan and Türkiye beginning in August. Air Astana has cancelled flights on the Almat-Dubai-Almaty route scheduled for July 13 and 14, as well as flights on the…
