Kazakhstan’s Domestic Industry Rises as Government Enforces Value Chain Policy
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s manufacturing sector recorded a 7.2% growth from January to April, according to Minister of Industry and Construction Yersayin Nagaspayev, who presented the data at a June 3 government meeting. The strongest growth dynamics were observed in mechanical engineering and the chemical industry, both increasing by 111.2%, the construction materials sector grew by…
OPEC+ Confirms Oil Output Adjustment, Kazakhstan Quota Set
ASTANA – Kazakhstan, along with seven other OPEC+ countries – Algeria, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – participated in a virtual meeting on May 31 to review global oil market conditions and reaffirm their commitment to market stability amid steady economic outlook and healthy fundamentals. The group, which…
AstraZeneca, National Research Oncology Center Sign Memorandum to Advance Cancer Care
ASTANA – The National Research Oncology Center and the AstraZeneca biopharmaceutical company signed an agreement on May 30 to strengthen their long-term partnership. The agreement outlines cooperation in three key areas aimed at enhancing cancer care in the country. The first area focuses on modern diagnostics and therapy, including the introduction of molecular profiling, targeted…
News Digest: Foreign Media on Astana International Forum, Climate Security and More
ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected recent articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest covers the Astana International Forum, climate security and more. Why countries cannot afford to turn inward on climate security South China Morning Post published an opinion article on climate security by Zulfiya Suleimenova, Advisor to…
AIF 2025 Spotlights Water Security in Central Asia, Urges Reform and Regional Unity
ASTANA – As climate change accelerates and water resources grow scarcer, Central Asia finds itself at a critical stage. The high-level panel session on water security at the Astana International Forum (AIF) underscored its crucial role in Central Asia’s sustainable development. Speaking at the forum, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev highlighted the country’s efforts…
President Tokayev Highlights Global Challenges, Calls for Cooperation at AIF 2025
ASTANA – At the plenary session of the Astana International Forum (AIF) 2025 on May 29, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed pressing global uncertainties and emphasized the need for unified responses grounded in shared values. Amidst rising conflicts and economic challenges, Tokayev stressed the importance of dialogue, reform, and youth engagement in building a stable and…
Kazakhstan Reaffirms Commitment to SCO Cooperation During Meeting with Secretary General
ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu assured of Kazakhstan’s unchanged and active position in supporting multidisciplinary cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during a meeting with SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev. During the talks, Nurtleu congratulated Yermekbayev on assuming the position of SCO Secretary General, reported the ministry’s press…
ChatGPT Becomes VAT Payer in Kazakhstan
ASTANA — ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence-based chatbot developed by OpenAI, has officially become a value-added tax (VAT) payer in Kazakhstan, reported the State Revenue Committee’s press service on May 27. Starting from May 2025, OpenAI, L.L.C. — a leading U.S. organization in the field of artificial intelligence and the creator of ChatGPT — has undergone…
News Digest: Foreign Media on Organization of Turkic States Summit, Kazakhstan’s Rising Role in Global Stability and Economic Growth
ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest highlights the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Budapest, Kazakhstan’s growing role in global diplomacy, cultural cooperation, economic reforms and energy production. Middle Powers can help glue our fracturing world The Geopolitics published…
Astana to Host Regional Climate Summit 2026 as Central Asia Unites for Climate Action
ASTANA — The Kazakh capital is set to host the Regional Climate Summit 2026 (RCS 2026), a landmark event aimed at boosting regional cooperation on climate change. Announced by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Astana International Forum (AIF) in 2023, the summit will gather Central Asian leaders to push forward joint climate initiatives, finance…
Kazakh Tazy Gains Global Spotlight in Euronews’ Modern Nomads
ASTANA — Euronews released a new episode of Modern Nomads highlighting the Kazakh Tazy — an ancient sighthound breed now earning international recognition for its cultural and historical significance in Kazakhstan on May 14. “Once loyal companions to nomads, the Tazy has become a symbol of friendship that extends far beyond Kazakhstan’s borders. Scientists believe…
UN Volunteer Subregional Office for Central Asia to Open in Almaty
ASTANA – The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program announced the opening of its Subregional Office for Central Asia in Almaty, during the first meeting of Kazakhstan’s National Organizing Committee for the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development in 2026 held on May 12. The office will serve as a regional hub to promote volunteerism…
Central Asia-China Focus on Education Cooperation
ASTANA — Kazakh Minister of Education Gani Beisembayev took part in the first China-Central Asia Education Ministers’ meeting on May 13 in Urumqi. The event focused on educational integration and building sustainable partnerships. According to the ministry’s press service, Kazakh Minister of Education Gani Beisembayev emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the participating countries…
More Flights Launch in May to Connect Kazakhstan to Ten Countries
ASTANA – Beginning in May, Kazakhstan is launching new air routes to ten countries, including Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, the Kyrgyz Republic, South Korea, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam, reported the Transport Ministry’s press service on May 12. SCAT Airlines will open several new international routes from Shymkent Airport this month. Starting May 27, flights…
UAE, Kazakhstan Deepen Energy Ties with Renewable and Battery Storage Agreement
ASTANA – Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar and Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund signed collaboration agreement related to the development of renewable energy and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in Kazakhstan during the official visit of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to…
News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Ties with Vietnam, Military Parade and More
ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest features Kazakhstan’s relations with Vietnam, a military parade and more. Vietnam, Kazakhstan issue joint statement on establishing strategic partnership General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, and his spouse,…
Kazakhstan Achieves Record at Asia-Pacific Linguistics Olympiad
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s Ramazan Butantayev, a student of the specialized IT lyceum of the Mangystau Region, won the gold medal at the Asia-Pacific Linguistic Olympiad APLO-2025. The national team showed a record result in the entire history of participation in linguistic Olympiads, winning five medals and three certificates of honor, reported the Kazakh Ministry of…
Kazakhstan Accelerates Petrochemical Development with $15 Billion Investment Plan
ASTANA – Kazakhstan is shifting its oil and gas sector toward high-value-added production, focusing on petrochemicals as a strategic national priority. Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov has introduced a roadmap for 2024–2030 during a May 5 government meeting. The roadmap includes six major projects worth approximately $15 billion. These developments are expected to create around 3,500…
Top Five Summer Destinations in Kazakhstan: Nature, Culture and Adventure
ASTANA – As summer approaches, more tourists are seeking destinations that offer a blend of nature, culture, and modern infrastructure. The Kazakh Ministry of Tourism and Sports presented the top five Kazakhstan’s breathtaking destinations for summer recreation. Katon-Karagay, East Kazakhstan Region Katon-Karagay National Park is the first territory of Kazakhstan included in the Green Destinations…
Kazakhstan’s Saiga Population Reaches 4.1 Million as Debate Grows Over Regulation Measures
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s saiga antelope population has reached a record 4.1 million, said Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Nurken Sharbiyev during an April 22 round table discussion, highlighting both the country’s success in conservation and the growing challenges posed by the rapid population increase. Current estimates, including lambing in May 2024, include Ural…
No Kazakh Nationals Reported Affected in Istanbul Quake, Says Foreign Ministry
ASTANA – Today, on April 23, Turkish authorities reported a 6.2-magnitude earthquake near Istanbul, followed by ongoing aftershocks. As of now, no Kazakh citizens in Türkiye have contacted the Consulate General of Kazakhstan in Istanbul for assistance. The Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs is monitoring the situation in coordination with the Turkish authorities and Kazakhstan’s…
Kazakhstan to Launch TravelStan All-in-One Travel App This Year
ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to launch a unified mobile application for tourists, named TravelStan, by the end of this year, said Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerzhan Yerkinbayev at the Digital Tourism in Kazakhstan – 2025 forum on April 22 in Almaty. The app will offer travelers access to a full range of tourism…
Eurasian Resources Group Refutes Negotiations to Sell Company
ASTANA – Shukhrat Ibragimov, the Eurasian Resources Group CEO, stated there are no negotiations on the sale of ERG, following a number of media reports in the last few weeks, including publications about U.S. businessman James Cameron’s proposal to buy ERG. “ERG is definitely not for sale,” said Ibragimov. “The company’s management is fully committed…
Italian PM Meloni Postpones Kazakhstan Visit Following Pope’s Death
ASTANA – Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni has postponed her visit to Kazakhstan, scheduled for April 26-27, in light of Pope Francis’ passing. “The planned visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Kazakhstan and the first Central Asia–Italy summit have been delayed at the request of the Italian side,” said President’s Press Secretary…
Kazakhstan Welcomes Return of First Peacekeeping Contingent from Golan Heights
ASTANA – The remaining 38 service members of Kazakhstan’s first peacekeeping contingent deployed to the UN mission in the Golan Heights returned home on April 20. Deputy Minister of Defense, Major General Shaikh-Hasan Zhazykbayev, met the service members, expressing gratitude for their conscientious service and contributions to strengthening peace and international security, according to the…
