News

The Ministry of National Economy of Kazakhstan plans to raise VAT from the current 12% to up to 20%, according to Minister Serik Zhumangarin. Speaking at a press briefing following a cabinet meeting, he acknowledged that the increase would impact prices but assured that the government is taking measures to mitigate its effects.

«We have not yet decided whether the new VAT rate will be 16% or 20%. Naturally, this will have consequences. Our calculations indicate that the increase will add an average 4% cost burden per entity, which will inevitably be passed on to consumers...

A Kazakhstani company has been supplying Belarus with hydrochloric acid — a critical material used in microchip production, which in turn is utilized in Russian weaponry — according to a recent report from the Belarusian Investigative Center (BIC), an independent media outlet.

«In 2021, hydrochloric acid with a purity of 99.999% was supplied to Integral (the Belarusian state-owned company) by the German company UrSeCo Handels GmbH & Co. KG. But a new delivery scheme emerged in 2022, when sanctions banned the chemical from entering Russia. The supplies passed through Poland and Turkey to Kazakhstan before reaching Belarus...

Kyrgyzstan has introduced a draft law aimed at curbing extravagant spending on celebrations.

According to the Kaktus.media news portal, Kyrgyz MPs Shairbek Tashiev and Zamirbek Mamasadykov, who proposed the draft law, argue that local traditions and customs have increasingly become a platform for excessive displays of wealth and social competition.

The lawmakers highlight that while weddings and funerals were once held to seek communal blessings, they have now become status-driven events. Common questions are fueling unnecessary competition: «How much money will guests bring?» «I spent a lot on their wedding. Will they repay me in kind?» «Will the collected money...

The total amount of claims filed by Russian state TV channels against YouTube has reached 1.8 duodecillion rubles — a figure with 39 zeros — the Russian business media outlet RBC reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

«The specified amount represents the debt accumulated by Google as of Jan. 15 for failing to comply with the demand to restore the accounts of Russian media on YouTube,» RBC cited the source.

Meanwhile, the debt continues to grow each week.

Legal proceedings against YouTube in Russia began as early as five years ago, initiated by the...

Karlygash Bakirova, a doctor from Kazakhstan, saved an 85-year-old passenger’s life during a flight from Astana to Moscow. She carried out a resuscitation procedure and insisted on an emergency landing. The incident happened on Jan. 24 on a flight operated by the Kazakh air carrier SCAT.

«During the flight, Viktor Karpin, 85, who was traveling with his grandson, began to feel unwell and almost fainted. Upon noticing his worsening condition, the flight attendants called for a doctor via the intercom. Karlygash Bakirova, an Astana Medical University graduate and otoneurologist, responded to the call immediately and rushed...

Kazakhstan may commence the simultaneous construction of two nuclear power plants (NPPs), Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy Almassadam Satkaliyev said in response to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s comments on the need to create a nuclear cluster in the country.

«Given that the electricity shortage in Kazakhstan is worsening, the country should accelerate the construction of generating capacity and the development of a nuclear cluster. These measures will also allow us to reduce our carbon footprint, thus fulfilling our liabilities under the green agenda. Therefore, I believe the simultaneous implementation of two NPP projects is possible as we possess...

China Energy, the largest energy company specializing in coal production and processing in the world, is reviewing coal mines in Kazakhstan to select the best one. This is part of a broader effort to boost the development of coal chemistry in the country, according to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.

«China Energy has confirmed its interest in implementing investment projects related to coal chemistry in Kazakhstan, amounting to $4 billion. Currently, the company is looking for a coal field that will suit its needs the most,» he said during a cabinet meeting attended by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Kazakh superstar Dimash Qudaibergen has joined the judging panel for the 10th anniversary season of «Virtuosos,» a classical music competition that showcases young, exceptionally talented musicians from around the world. The show is currently being filmed in Budapest, Hungary.

According to the DimashNews portal, the competition features talented musicians from Hungary, Austria, Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro.

The first day of filming was marked with heartfelt reunions and the excitement of new connections. While many jury members have been part of the show for years, some are stepping into their roles for the first time. This is Dimash’s second time serving...

A FlyArystan plane reported a bird strike while conducting a regular flight from Uralsk to Astana. Despite the collision, the aircraft continued its flight and safely landed in the capital city of Kazakhstan. Later, service technicians identified «multiple damages to the aircraft» and the remains of birds inside the engine.

The incident occurred on Jan. 26 during the departure of the FlyArystan plane from Uralsk to Astana.

«The collision occurred with a flock of birds at Uralsk Airport. Since there were no failures in the aircraft’s engines or other systems, the crew decided to continue the...

According to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstanis will continue to see rising utility and motor fuel prices. During a cabinet meeting, he emphasized that the country should eliminate the tariff imbalance with other CIS countries, where electricity and gasoline costs are significantly higher.

«The cabinet should continue implementing its new tariff policy. Tariffs must align with the market; otherwise, the reliable supply of electricity, water and heat could be at risk,» Tokayev stated.

He pointed out that almost all CIS countries impose higher tariffs on electricity, natural gas and oil products than Kazakhstan.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sees the need to streamline legal circulation of digital assets in Kazakhstan through expansion of corresponding infrastructure. He shared this idea during a cabinet meeting on Jan. 28.   

As the president noted, transactions with cryptocurrencies are currently allowed only on licensed platforms within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). However, according to various experts, only 5% of Kazakhstani cryptocurrency investors use AIFC-approved platforms, while most prefer to operate in the gray zone.    

«The task of creating an infrastructure for broader legal circulation of digital assets is urgent. Financial regulators must step...

Kazakhstan’s national project for the modernization of the energy and utility sectors, adopted at the end of 2024, marks the launch of the most significant investment cycle in the country’s housing and utility infrastructure in decades. Between 2025 and 2029, 15.1 trillion tenge (approximately $28 billion) will be allocated for constructing new power plants and upgrading heating, electricity, water supply and wastewater networks. Notably, 10% of these funds will come directly from the state budget.

Overview of the national project

The national infrastructure project, adopted by a government decree on Dec. 25, 2024, and published in early January 2025, was...

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed the cabinet to accelerate negotiations with foreign investors on the extension of production sharing agreements (PSAs) under new, preferential terms for Kazakhstan.

«With the help of production sharing agreements, Kazakhstan has become a reliable supplier of energy carriers on the global market… Meanwhile, large investments require a long-term planning timeframe. This is why the cabinet should advance negotiations about extending PSAs under renewed, more beneficial conditions for the country,» he said during a cabinet meeting.

He also highlighted that these projects play a crucial role in the socio-economic...

Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov has revealed the status of the Baiterek space rocket complex project, which is being implemented at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

The project is being developed based on the Zenit-M complex infrastructure. This facility has been under Kazakhstan’s control since 2018, when Russia stopped leasing it.

The Baiterek space rocket complex is a joint project of Russia and Kazakhstan, with Kazakhstan investing approximately $121 million from the state budget between 2025 and 2027. Notably, in 2024, investments totaled around $28 million.

The Roscosmos-affiliated Center for Ground-Based Space Infrastructure Facilities Operation is the primary developer of the...

According to the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, a large greenhouse park will be built in Shymkent. The total investment in the project is estimated at $650 million.

The deal was formally sealed on Jan. 27, when the Ministry of Agriculture, Alarko Holding, the administration of the city of Shymkent and Alsera KZ, a Kazakhstani subsidiary of Alarko, signed an agreement on the implementation of the project. Turkish Ambassador to Kazakhstan Mustafa Kapucu, along with representatives from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Kazakh Invest, also took part in the negotiations on the project.

Once commissioned, the greenhouse park will...

Graceful birds have been spotted in Almaty at Lake Sayran and the Esentai River. Despite obvious admiration, users on social media have also expressed their concerns about the herons’ safety.

Enthusiasts explained on social media that Sayran attracts the herons with fish. Additionally, many concerned citizens come to the lake with their children to feed the herons. The lake’s avian variety also includes numerous ducks and cormorants.   

One more...

The Ministry of Agriculture of Russia is trying to reach a new transit agreement with Kazakhstan as it wants tariffs for Russian grain suppliers to be the same as for Kazakhstani suppliers, the Interfax news agency reported, citing Russian Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut, who made this statement at a forum called «The Development of Small Agricultural Business in Russia.»

«We are trying to reach an agreement with the neighboring country to align these transit tariffs with tariffs for residents of Kazakhstan and create the same condition for all suppliers,» the minister said.

She emphasized that...

Last week, Kazakhstan Cadet and Junior Chess Championship 2025, in which around 950 players participated, was held in Almaty, the Kazakhstan Chess Federation (KazChess) reported.

The tournament (Jan. 15 to Jan. 25) featured three formats: classical, rapid and blitz chess. Players from seven age groups, ranging from 6 to 18, competed in the event.

Last year, only one participant, Alimzhan Zhauynbay managed to secure the absolute champion’s title in the O10-age category. However, this year, four players claimed first place across all three formats: Makar Chernyshov (O6), Danis Kuandykuly (O12), Zhansaya Sholpanbek (G12) and Elnaz Kaliakhmet, who emerged victorious in...

OnlineKazFinance, a microfinance organization operating under the Solva brand, announced its plans to enter the Uzbekistani market. The statement was made during the Investor Day at KASE event. The company anticipates obtaining a license in the first half of 2025, according to its presentation.

Solva announced that it had already developed a dedicated IT platform for doing business in Uzbekistan, with preparations for entering the country’s market having been underway for over a year.

The primary effort of a future Uzbekistani subsidiary will be focused on financing small and medium-sized businesses. Solva analysts highlighted that this expansion will help diversify...

Russia and China’s drive to ensure economic security amid global uncertainty could accelerate the launch of key energy projects in Kazakhstan.

The word «uncertainty» has quickly become one of the most frequently used terms in forecasts for 2025. It repeatedly appears in the recent Global Risks Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum. It’s also a central theme in UNCTAD’s December 2024 Global Trade Update and the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025 report, released earlier this month by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

In response to growing uncertainty, global powers are reverting to an old strategy...

The Russian retailer Fix Price has become the owner of a 100% stake in Best Price, an operational subsidiary of the retailer, and a 1% stake in Best Price Export. Previously, both stakes were controlled by Fix Price plc, a holding structure registered in Kazakhstan. According to analysts from the Russian broker BCS World of Investments, this structural change appear to be a technical preparation for redomiciling to Russia.

«Fix Price reported that it was reviewing a scenario for listing its Russian subsidiary on the Moscow Exchange (MoEx) and considering the exchange of receipts for the...

Kazakhstani sumo wrestler Yersin Baltagul, competing under the Japanese name Kinbozan Haruki, secured a silver medal at the Hatsu Basho 2025 tournament (New Year’s sumo tournament) held in Tokyo, according to Tachiai.org, a sumo-focused blog. The tournament’s winner was Mongolian sumo wrestler nicknamed Hoshoryu Tomokatsu.

Kinbozan from Kazakhstan, Mongolian wrestler Hoshoryu Tomokatsu and Japanese wrestler Oho Konosuke finished with the same number of victories, prompting an extra round to determine the champion.

The wrestlers drew lots to decide who would initiate the fight. In the first bout, Hoshoryu defeated Kazakhstani Kinbozan; in the final round, the Mongolian wrestler outperformed...

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov held an informal meeting at the Amirsoy ski resort in the Tashkent region of Uzbekistan. During the negotiations the two leaders have agreed to closely cooperate in developing joint projects related to recreational centers and resorts in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, the press service of the Uzbek president reported.

After the meeting, Japarov highly commended the Amirsoy Resort.

«When I visited Amirsoy, it struck me. My colleague Shavkat Mirziyoyev has built this amazing ski resort from scratch. I am speechless. It is simply a great achievement...

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the national railway company in Kazakhstan, has launched a satellite internet connection powered by British Eutelsat OneWeb on a train operating the Astana-Almaty route. According to the company’s press service, the project is currently in its pilot phase and is planned to expand across all 15 routes served by the Talgo high-speed trains.

It takes 17 hours to travel by train from Astana to Almaty, and now, one train in the KTZ’s fleet offers a stable internet connection to all 500 passengers throughout the journey. 

The quality of the internet allows passengers to make video calls...