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Kazakhstan — Daily

Kazakhstan Daily: State share cuts unveiled, GDP up 6.5%, new welfare scoring, AI job matches

,   and  Lexica
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Politics

State Share Reduction Plan Presented; President Orders Stronger SME Protection and Market Competition Oversight

Published: 2025-09-11

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met Competition Protection and Development Agency chairman Marat Omarov for an update on implementing the decree on economic liberalization. Omarov said a list of more than 450 state-owned or state-involved enterprises has been prepared for transfer to a competitive environment through the National Privatization Office, aiming to reduce the state’s role in the economy. He reported that commodity exchange regulation has been aligned with current market trading practices, with the number of operating exchanges streamlined to three from 22 when the agency assumed oversight. Tokayev instructed the agency to intensify competition in key sectors, reinforce investigations and inspections, and strengthen protection for small and medium-sized businesses, signaling continued privatization and tighter market discipline to broaden private-sector participation.

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Tax Changes Drive 2026 Revenue Surge as Government Earmarks Funds for Presidential Initiatives

Published: 2025-09-11

Kazakhstan projects a sharp rise in 2026 state revenues, driven largely by tax reforms and economic growth. The National Economy Ministry forecasts 19.2 trillion tenge in budget income for 2026—up 4.7 trillion year-on-year—mainly from higher tax receipts. Officials attribute 3.7 trillion tenge of the increase to tax law changes, with an additional 1.5 trillion from growth and about 0.3 trillion from other factors. Separately, the Finance Ministry anticipates total republican budget revenues of 23.1 trillion tenge, indicating differences in accounting scope between ministries (e.g., tax vs. consolidated items). The government plans to allocate 285 billion tenge in 2026 for presidential initiatives, signaling continued fiscal backing for priority programs in social and economic sectors.

"Tax law amendments are expected to add 3.7 trillion tenge to the budget, alongside 1.5 trillion from economic growth and roughly 0.3 trillion from other factors." - Azamat Amrin, First Vice Minister of National Economy (aikyn.kz)

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President Updates Regulation Governing the National Bank

Published: 2025-09-11

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has approved an updated regulation on the National Bank of Kazakhstan, signaling adjustments to the central bank’s governing framework. While details were not disclosed in the brief announcement, such changes typically affect the bank’s mandate, oversight mechanisms, and operational procedures. For investors and financial institutions, an updated regulation could influence monetary policy execution, communication practices, and coordination with the government on inflation and currency stability. It may also refine governance standards, risk management, and supervisory roles over the financial sector. Observers will watch for the publication of the full text to assess implications for interest rate policy, tenge management, and regulatory harmonization with international best practices. No official statements beyond the approval were provided at the time of reporting.

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Unified KPI System to Assess All Governors from 2026

Published: 2025-09-11

From 2026, regional and local governors will be evaluated using a standardized KPI framework applied uniformly across all administrations, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of National Economy. The shift to performance-based assessment signals a move to tighten accountability and comparability of outcomes between regions, likely influencing budget allocation, project prioritization, and leadership tenure. The ministry did not detail the specific indicators, but the uniform application suggests central benchmarks tied to socio-economic performance, service delivery, and reform implementation. Azamat Amrin, First Vice Minister of National Economy, announced the change, indicating a formalized, nationwide rollout that could shape how regional strategies are set and measured.

"KPI indicators will apply equally to all akims (governors)." - Azamat Amrin, First Vice Minister of National Economy (inform.kz)

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Deputy Criticizes State Budget Planning During Three-Year Draft Presentation

Published: 2025-09-11

At the Sept. 11, 2025 presentation of the three-year budget, Mazhilis Deputy Speaker Dania Yespayeva criticized methods used to plan state expenditures, highlighting perceived imbalances in the allocation process, according to zakon.kz. The remarks suggest pressure within Parliament for a reassessment of how spending priorities are set and justified across sectors. While specific line items were not detailed in the brief, the intervention underscores ongoing debates over transparency and efficiency in budget planning as the government prepares multi-year fiscal frameworks. Such criticism from a senior parliamentary figure could prompt the Finance Ministry to revisit methodologies for distributing funds across regions and programs, potentially influencing social and infrastructure spending as well as oversight mechanisms.

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Economy

Trade and Industry Lift GDP Growth to 6.5% in First Eight Months

Published: 2025-09-11

Kazakhstan’s economy expanded by 6.5% in January–August 2025 on preliminary data, driven by robust wholesale trade and a broad-based industrial upturn. Industrial output rose 7.6%, while manufacturing accelerated to 6.5% year-on-year, led by machinery (+15.1%), food processing (+10.1%), oil refining (+7.6%), chemicals (+7.5%), and metallurgy (+1.1%). Trade grew 8.9%, with wholesale accounting for two-thirds of sector activity (66.6%). Regional momentum was uneven, with the strongest gains reported in Shymkent (+21.3%), followed by East Kazakhstan (+5.7%) and Zhetysu (+0.6%). The composition of growth highlights continued diversification beyond extractives into higher value-added manufacturing and logistics-oriented wholesale. For investors, the manufacturing mix suggests stable demand in consumer goods, machinery, and petrochemicals, while regional data underscore Shymkent’s role as a distribution and industrial hub.

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Dollar Firms on KASE During Sept. 11 Session

Published: 2025-09-11

The tenge weakened slightly as the U.S. dollar gained on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) during the Sept. 11 daytime session, according to local market reports. Both Inform.kz and Zakon.kz noted an uptick in the exchange rate by the close of the midday trading window at 15:30. While precise figures were not provided in the brief dispatches, the move extends a recent trend of moderate dollar strengthening against the tenge. For businesses with USD-linked costs or revenues, the incremental rise signals continued currency volatility that may influence pricing, hedging strategies, and import/export planning. Market participants commonly watch KASE’s intraday fixes for signals on central bank liquidity operations and sentiment toward external factors such as U.S. rate expectations and commodity prices, given Kazakhstan’s oil-linked fiscal dynamics. No official statements accompanied the trading update.

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Economy Ministry Outlines Pessimistic Scenario for Tenge-Dollar Rate Over Next Three Years

Published: 2025-09-11

At a briefing in the Mazhilis on 11 September 2025, First Vice Minister of National Economy Azamat Amrin presented parameters for a pessimistic macroeconomic scenario covering the next three years, including assumptions for the tenge’s exchange rate against the U.S. dollar, Zakon.kz reported. Details of the rate levels and underlying drivers were not disclosed in the excerpt, but the move signals the government’s effort to anchor fiscal and economic planning under downside risks. For businesses and investors, such scenario parameters typically guide budget planning, debt management in foreign currency, and pricing strategies. Monitoring the official publication of the full scenario will be important for forecasting import costs, inflation pass-through, and potential adjustments to monetary or fiscal policy as authorities calibrate responses to external shocks and domestic growth uncertainties.

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Turkistan Cotton-Textile Cluster to Supply Luxury Houses Including Louis Vuitton and Gucci

Published: 2025-09-11

A planned cotton-textile cluster in Turkistan Region is set to supply products to luxury fashion brands, including Louis Vuitton and Gucci, according to a formal response the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided to Kazinform. The project signals an effort to move up the value chain in Kazakhstan’s cotton industry by integrating production from raw cotton to finished textiles for export. While timelines, capacity, and investment details were not disclosed, the initiative suggests growing engagement with global luxury supply chains and potential upgrades in quality standards, certification, and compliance. Such contracts could stimulate regional manufacturing, logistics, and skilled labor demand if executed, but execution risks and details on governance, partners, and financing remain unclear. No direct quotes from officials were provided in the source material.

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Dining Costs Climb as Cafeterias Lead Price Gains; Astana and Mangystau See Sharpest Monthly Increases

Published: 2025-09-11

Kazakhstan’s food service prices rose 1.6% in June and 13.2% year-on-year, with cafeterias posting the steepest gains: up 2.2% month-on-month and 16.9% annually. Restaurants increased 2.1% m/m and 12.7% y/y; fast food rose 1.7% m/m and 13% y/y. Regional dynamics diverged: Astana saw a 4.3% monthly jump, followed by Mangystau (4.1%) and Ulytau (3.1%), while seven regions were flat; over 12 months, Karaganda led at 23% with Mangystau (21.6%) and West Kazakhstan (20%) next. Operators cite higher food inputs, rent, utilities, and wages.

"We had to raise menu prices by about 10–12% due to surging food costs and higher rent, utilities, and wages." - Temirlan Kazhkenov, manager, Mamyr restaurant in Astana (aikyn.kz)

Consumer behavior is shifting: visitor counts fell around 7% while average checks rose 12%. Average household spending on dining out reached 8,100 tenge in Q1, up 13.4% y/y, with Kyzylorda highest at 18,500 tenge. Internationally, Kazakhstan sits mid-pack in CIS comparisons for fast-food and budget dining prices based on McMeal benchmarks.

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Regional Investment Drive Splits: Strong Gains in South, Sharp Declines in Oil Belt

Published: 2025-09-11

Kazakhstan’s regional investment picture is diverging. From January–April, fixed asset investment surged in Jambyl (+66.8%), Jetisu (+63.8%), Turkistan (+55.7%), and Shymkent (+54%), with solid gains in Almaty (+35.6%), Astana (+35.5%), Mangystau (+25%), and Almaty region (+23.6%). In contrast, Atyrau (-40.4%), Ulytau (-29.3%), and North Kazakhstan (-9.9%) fell, likely due to completed megaprojects, softer extractives, and capital reallocation. Funding remains dominated by corporate own funds (66.2%), while budget financing tripled to 22.1%. Banks’ share is just 3.5%, underscoring limited long-term lending. State lender Baiterek is deploying about $16 billion in subsidized refinancing, offering loans up to 20 years at roughly 5%.

"We are providing long-term loans of up to 20 years at rates up to 70% below market, effectively around 5% annually." - Zhandos Shaikhy, Deputy Chairman, Baiterek Holding (egemen.kz)

"For investors, the priority is market and profit... low taxes won’t attract them if margins are weak and risks are high." - Almas Chukin, economist (egemen.kz)

UNCTAD data show net FDI turned negative at -$2.55 billion last year, with Uzbekistan leading the region at $2.8 billion.

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Oman’s Sohar International Explores Opportunities in Kazakhstan’s Banking Sector

Published: 2025-09-11

Oman’s interest in Kazakhstan’s financial services is advancing as the Kazakh ambassador in Muscat, Aydarbek Tumatov, met Sohar International’s executive director for international cooperation, Aziz Al‑Jahdami, to discuss investment and trade prospects. The Omani side expressed particular interest in the structure and investment potential of Kazakhstan’s banking sector. Tumatov briefed on sector trends, major market players, asset growth, and recent gains in net profit, highlighting sustained expansion supported by digital innovation and new banking products. The parties agreed to organize a Sohar International delegation visit to Kazakhstan in the near term to engage local financial institutions and relevant state bodies, signaling potential cross-border financing, co-lending, or fintech partnerships as next steps.

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Turkistan Region Courts Chinese Investors with New Industrial Park and B2G Talks

Published: 2025-09-11

"We are holding a groundbreaking ceremony today for a Kazakh–Chinese industrial park that will contribute to both countries’ development. We stand ready to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with partners like you." - Nuralkhan Kosherov, Akim of Turkistan Region (malim.kz)

Turkistan Region hosted a B2G meeting in Maktaaral between regional Akim Nuralkhan Kosherov and a Chinese delegation led by Yu Lijing of Wenzhou’s Commerce Department, focusing on strengthening interregional cooperation and launching joint projects. Chinese companies presented proposals across solar energy, electrical equipment, pipe fittings, plastics, smart-home systems, digital solutions, and large-scale infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and an airport. The region highlighted 20 industrial zones (2,397 ha) and the 4,000-ha Turan Special Economic Zone, plus support for small industrial parks. China ranks among Kazakhstan’s top five investors; 2024 bilateral trade reached $31.1 billion (exports $14.9b; imports $15.2b). Turkistan’s trade with China totaled $296 million (exports $85m; imports $211m). Agriculture remains the region’s key driver, with strong positions in cotton processing, textiles, and transformer manufacturing.

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Diplomacy

Published: 2025-09-11

A new bilateral framework enables citizens to take up legal employment in Qatar under standardized contracts that mandate key benefits from Qatari employers. Obligations include paid round-trip airfare, furnished housing or allowances, transport to and from the workplace or reimbursement, and a minimum of three weeks’ annual leave plus an additional three days. The agreement also outlines repatriation procedures in cases of contract termination, disputes, or emergencies. A joint committee of three representatives from each side will coordinate implementation, job placement opportunities, information exchange, and dispute resolution. The authorized bodies are the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection on one side and Qatar’s Ministry of Labour on the other. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 710 citizens have been officially employed in Qatar since the start of the year, indicating growing labor mobility under regulated conditions.

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France Signals Broader Economic Partnership with Kazakhstan Across Energy, Industry, and Research

Published: 2025-09-11

Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Isetov met French Ambassador Sylvain Giohe to review and expand strategic ties across political, economic, and cultural spheres, including coordination in multilateral forums. The sides noted sustained high-level exchanges as a driver of momentum in the partnership. France reaffirmed interest in widening cooperation in energy, machinery, agriculture, critical materials, healthcare, education, and science—areas central to Kazakhstan’s diversification and technology transfer goals. The meeting concluded with discussions on the upcoming calendar of bilateral engagements, indicating near-term deliverables and project pipelines. While no specific agreements were announced, France’s sectoral focus aligns with Kazakhstan’s priorities for industrial upgrading and value-added exports, and suggests potential for joint ventures and R&D collaboration as both governments seek to deepen their strategic partnership.

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Bilateral Agenda Set as Astana and Moscow Prepare for Tokayev’s State Visit

Published: 2025-09-11

Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Yermeubet Konysbayev met Russia’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan Alexey Borodavkin to review the current state and outlook of bilateral cooperation, confirm implementation of high-level agreements, and finalize schedules for upcoming visits and joint events. The talks placed special emphasis on preparations for President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s forthcoming state visit to Russia, signaling a planned intensification of political and economic engagement. Officials also exchanged views on regional issues and coordination in multilateral formats. The meeting underscores continuity in Kazakhstan–Russia ties, with a focus on practical follow-through on previously reached commitments and maintaining momentum across diplomatic channels. No new policy decisions were announced, but the alignment of calendars suggests both sides are prioritizing near-term deliverables during the president’s visit and subsequent joint activities.

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Brussels Signals Deeper Tech and Green-raw-materials Ties as Belgian FDI in Kazakhstan Tops $13.95B

Published: 2025-09-11

Belgium and Kazakhstan are preparing a denser cooperation agenda following talks between Ambassador Roman Vassilenko and Birgit Stevens, Director General for Bilateral Relations at Belgium’s Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs. Brussels showed interest in Astana’s new drive on artificial intelligence, creation of a dedicated AI ministry, and tax and social policy reforms outlined in President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s 8 September address. Belgium is also eyeing Kazakhstan’s plans to scale processing of critical and strategic raw materials for EU demand, water-management initiatives, and satellite-based environmental monitoring. Space collaboration surfaced with Belgium’s Aerospacelab targeting up to 500 satellites annually, aligning with Kazakhstan’s transit ambitions via the Trans-Caspian route. Trade reached $456 million in 2024, while Belgian FDI totaled $1.206 billion in 2024 and $13.95 billion since 2005, with 76 Belgian-capital firms operating locally.

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Azerbaijan–Kazakhstan Tourism Forum Advances Bilateral Travel and Investment Plans

Published: 2025-09-11

The second Azerbaijan–Kazakhstan tourism forum convened in Guba with diplomats, industry officials, and 56 tour operators to deepen two-way travel and promote investment. Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Alim Bayel highlighted rising flows, noting Kazakhstan accounts for about half of all Central Asian visitors to Azerbaijan and ranks sixth by inbound nationality. Organizers showcased packages, routes, and direct air links including Air Astana services, while B2B meetings and site visits presented Guba’s potential. Plans are underway to build a modern sanatorium-resort complex on Lake Alakol in Kazakhstan with Azerbaijani and Kazakh investment, positioned as a milestone for joint tourism development. According to Azerbaijan’s tourism agency, nearly 59,000 Kazakh tourists visited in January–July, up 58% year-on-year; Azerbaijani arrivals to Kazakhstan rose 48%. The push aligns with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s emphasis on comprehensive tourism infrastructure development.

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Global Condemnation Follows Israeli Airstrike on Doha; Kazakhstan Confirms Citizens Safe

Published: 2025-09-11

Israel carried out an airstrike on Doha that struck residential areas, killing six people, according to local reports. Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry said none of the roughly 1,500 Kazakh citizens currently in Qatar were harmed, offering initial reassurance on consular safety. Qatar’s leadership condemned the attack and signaled a legal response, while Israel framed the operation as a targeted action against Hamas leaders involving more than ten fighter jets. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev publicly denounced the strike, underscoring Astana’s stance on protecting civilians and sovereignty. Qatar said it is assembling a legal team to address the strike on a residential district.

"We can only call Israel’s attack state terrorism... a clear political signal to the whole region" - Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar PM and Foreign Minister (informburo.kz)

"Israel’s military will not stop until our enemies are completely eliminated" - Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel (informburo.kz)

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Infrastructure

Published: 2025-09-11

A new direct rail connection between Almaty and Moscow will launch on October 26, signaling incremental restoration of overland passenger connectivity between Kazakhstan and Russia. The route is expected to streamline travel for business and family visits, offering an alternative to air links that can be costly or capacity-constrained. While detailed schedules, journey times, and ticket pricing were not disclosed, the timing aligns with winter timetable changes across regional rail networks. The service could facilitate smoother logistics for cross-border mobility and support trade and tourism flows, particularly for travelers preferring rail for cost, comfort, or visa processing considerations. Operators and authorities have yet to provide information on frequency or rolling stock, which will determine competitiveness against airlines and bus routes. No official statements were cited in the source report.

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Traffic Speeds May Be Reduced in Cities as Interior Ministry Weighs Congestion Measures

Published: 2025-09-11

Deputy Interior Minister Igor Lepokha said authorities are considering lowering vehicle speed limits in Kazakhstan’s cities, indicating potential adjustments to urban traffic regulations. The discussion, disclosed in parliament corridors and reported by Zakon.kz, suggests the Interior Ministry is exploring speed reductions as a tool to manage congestion and improve road safety. The scope, timelines, and thresholds for any changes were not detailed. For businesses and commuters, lower limits could affect travel times, logistics planning, and delivery schedules in major urban centers. Any policy move would likely require coordination with local akimats and transport departments to recalibrate signage, enforcement, and public communication.

"We are examining the possibility of reducing vehicle speeds in city areas" - Deputy Interior Minister Igor Lepokha (zakon.kz)

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Air Astana Shifts All Almaty Check‑In to T2 as Terminal T1 Undergoes Renovation

Published: 2025-09-11

Starting 12:00 on 15 September 2025, Air Astana will process check‑in for both domestic and international flights exclusively at Almaty Airport’s Terminal 2 (T2) due to reconstruction at the domestic terminal (T1). Domestic check‑in counters will operate at T2 positions 14–25. After check‑in, passengers must proceed to T1 for security screening and boarding. Online check‑in remains available via the airline’s website and mobile app, opening 36 hours before departure and closing 60 minutes prior. Baggage drop for online check‑in will be at T2 counters 14–15; online passengers without checked bags may go directly to T1 for screening and boarding. Self‑service kiosks are installed at T2. Air Astana advises arriving early to account for transfer time between terminals. International check‑in procedures are otherwise unchanged.

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Over 35,000 Homes Set for Gas Connection in Karaganda Region

Published: 2025-09-11

More than 35,000 households in Karaganda region are slated for gas supply expansion, according to the Energy Ministry. During a visit to Temirtau, Vice Minister of Energy Sungat Yesimkhanov met residents and reviewed progress at energy infrastructure sites, signaling ongoing federal support for regional gasification. The initiative is part of broader efforts to modernize utility networks and improve air quality in industrial centers like Temirtau. While detailed timelines and project financing were not disclosed in the brief, the scale suggests phased connections across urban and adjacent settlements, potentially reducing reliance on coal and liquid fuels. No direct policy changes were announced during the visit, but engagement with local communities indicates the government is prioritizing delivery and oversight of gas infrastructure in the region.

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Astana Explores Return of Paid Parking System to Municipal Ownership

Published: 2025-09-11

Astana’s Transport and Road Infrastructure Development Department outlined the status of resolving issues around the “Astana Parking Space” system and provided clarification on parking tariffs, according to inform.kz. Authorities are assessing steps to transfer the paid parking infrastructure back into municipal ownership, a move that could affect revenue distribution, enforcement, and service standards. While details on timing and tariff changes were not disclosed, officials indicated the process is ongoing and tied to broader management and policy decisions. For businesses and commuters, any shift to municipal control may alter payment mechanisms, permit structures, and oversight. The department also addressed tariff understanding, suggesting potential adjustments or clearer rules may follow once ownership and governance are settled. No official quotes or timelines were provided in the report.

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Western Regions Set for Utility Upgrades with 43 Billion Tenge Investment

Published: 2025-09-11

Kazakhstan’s national project on energy and utilities modernization will channel over 43 billion tenge into communal infrastructure across the western regions, following a regional seminar in Aktobe on 11 September 2025. The session gathered central ministries, regional administrations, state holdings, and financial institutions to outline support mechanisms and financing tools. Under the plan, Aktobe Region is slated to receive 18.5 billion tenge during 2025–2029 to upgrade heating, water supply, and wastewater systems in multiple localities. Officials from the National Economy Ministry’s Committee for Regulation of Natural Monopolies, the Industry and Construction Ministry, Baiterek Holding, and TKSH KazOrtalygy presented implementation pathways. The initiative targets stable, modern utility services to enhance living standards and bolster regional energy security. No direct quotes were provided in the source report.

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Society

New Scoring Model to Rank Household Well-Being for Targeted Local Aid

Published: 2025-09-11

The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection will introduce a scoring system to assess household well-being for allocating local social support, while preserving all 41 guaranteed benefits funded by the national budget. The model classifies applicants into six categories—from acute need to high well-being—based on 23 socio-demographic and economic criteria, using data from the government’s Digital Family Card. Indicators include income, property and vehicle ownership, debt burden, health status, disability, education, dependents, and potential hidden income such as informal employment. Households with two or more homes, two or more cars, registered business activity, and per-capita income exceeding four times the subsistence minimum will be deemed high well-being and excluded from local top-ups; categories 1–5 will receive automatic support. A pilot was authorized on May 22, 2020, in Shymkent and Karaganda Region to operationalize the system.

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Suspect Detained in Zhetisu Over Scheme to Cash Out Funds From Hacked Bank Accounts

Published: 2025-09-11

Police in Zhetisu region detained an alleged organizer of schemes that converted funds from victims’ bank accounts into cash, following a series of cyberattacks targeting residents’ balances. The Interior Ministry said the suspect was identified and apprehended after rapid investigative measures in coordination with the regional prosecutor’s office. Authorities described the case as part of intensified efforts to curb cyber fraud, a growing issue in Kazakhstan as criminals exploit online banking and social engineering tactics. While officials have not disclosed the scale of losses or the number of victims, the operation suggests closer collaboration between law enforcement and prosecutors to disrupt cash-out networks that often move stolen funds quickly through intermediaries. Further details, including charges and potential accomplices, were not provided at the time of reporting.

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Police Detain 19 Foreign Nationals in East Kazakhstan over Suspected Illegal Precious Metal Mining

Published: 2025-09-11

Police in East Kazakhstan Region uncovered an alleged illegal mining operation, detaining 19 foreign nationals and two residents of Oskemen. Equipment seized at the site included excavators, a bulldozer, crushing units, and metal items bearing signs of gold and other valuable components, indicating an industrial-scale setup. A pre-trial investigation has been launched, with more than 20 individuals being checked for involvement; evidence collection and expert examinations are underway. The case underscores ongoing enforcement pressure on unauthorized extraction of subsoil resources, a sensitive area given Kazakhstan’s licensing regime and environmental compliance rules. If charges proceed, those involved could face criminal liability, potential deportations for foreign suspects, and confiscation of equipment, signaling tighter scrutiny of informal mining supply chains and service providers supporting unlicensed operations.

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Scoring Model to Determine Household Eligibility for Social Support Starting 11 September 2025

Published: 2025-09-11

The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection announced a scoring-based model to assess household well-being for assigning social support, set to take effect on 11 September 2025, Zakon.kz reports. The change signals a shift from categorical or income-only criteria toward a composite assessment likely incorporating factors such as earnings, assets, and household composition. The reform aims to better target benefits to vulnerable families, but it may exclude some recipients who currently qualify under broader rules. Authorities are expected to clarify scoring criteria, data sources, appeal mechanisms, and privacy safeguards ahead of rollout to ensure transparency and predictability for applicants. Employers and HR teams should anticipate potential impacts on employee welfare and documentation needs as family status and income verification become more central to benefit access.

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Innovation

AI Matching on Enbek.kz Delivers 50,000 Tailored Job Leads After Spring Launch

Published: 2025-09-11

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Labor and Social Protection rolled out an AI-powered matching tool on the Enbek.kz electronic labor exchange in April, automatically analyzing resumes and vacancies to generate personalized job recommendations. By September 1, the system had delivered targeted suggestions to over 50,000 candidates, cutting manual vacancy selection time by up to 80% and processing resumes in under two seconds. The model weighs required occupations, professional groups, expected salary, location, and skills using natural language processing and machine learning. Officials project a 90% acceleration of the job search process as the service scales and integrates more data. The push aligns with the government’s broader AI agenda and institutional developments to oversee cross-sector deployment of AI technologies, signaling faster hiring cycles for employers and more efficient job matching for applicants.

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Plan for Sovereign Crypto Fund Linked to Alatau City Innovation Zone Advances

Published: 2025-09-11

An economist proposes creating a sovereign cryptocurrency fund to capture upside from rising digital asset prices and bolster fiscal stability, with the fund’s size still under discussion at $1–2 billion and asset selection yet to be decided. The initiative is tied to the proposed Alatau City special zone, envisioned as a testbed for advanced technologies—AI-driven urban management, drone delivery, flying taxis, and cable-linked transit—positioned to become a full “smart city.” The plan aligns with the national push for digitization and innovation and aims to attract global startups and tech investors via bespoke regulation, talent inflows, and new jobs. The concept cites international precedents in the US, China, and parts of Europe where crypto funds are integrated into economic policy.

"A cryptocurrency fund is not only a tool to enhance financial stability but also a major opportunity to transform the country into a hub for innovative technologies." - Aibar Olzhayev, economist (egemen.kz)

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Published: 2025-09-11

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Industry and Construction has begun using Starlink satellite internet in geological exploration, installing terminals at drilling rigs and field camps under the “Digitalizing Geology” project, according to the ministry’s press service (inform.kz). The move aims to improve connectivity for remote operations, enabling real-time data transfer, coordination, and safety monitoring in areas beyond terrestrial networks. Enhanced bandwidth and low-latency links can accelerate survey reporting, facilitate remote oversight, and strengthen logistics for prospecting teams. For service providers and contractors, reliable connectivity may streamline workflows and reduce downtime, while authorities gain more timely visibility into exploration activities. Broader adoption could also support future integration of IoT sensors and cloud-based geological modeling, aligning with government efforts to modernize the extractives sector’s digital infrastructure.

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Government Sets AI Deadlines for Health and Energy, Launches Sectoral Cybersecurity Center

Published: 2025-09-11

Kazakhstan’s government approved steps to build a unified national digital system, prioritizing AI deployment in healthcare and energy with firm end‑of‑year deadlines. By November 15, regulators must amend sectoral rules to allow integration of domestic startup solutions in priority health areas. By December 20, seven separate health IT systems will be consolidated into two integrated platforms on the Qaztech base, eventually covering all 30 systems to reduce duplication and ease clinical workloads. AI assistants for doctors and early detection tools for oncology and other diseases are planned. From December 1, AI and drones will be used to diagnose electric and heating networks, with sensor-equipped devices slated to inspect urban pipelines internally. A sectoral Information Security Center will be established for the fuel‑energy complex by December 20 to set cybersecurity requirements for energy assets.

"The President set the task of modernizing all sectors through a shift to digital. Therefore, AI implementation must be results‑oriented." - Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov (egemen.kz)

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Senior Digital Official Addresses Who Might Lead New AI Ministry

Published: 2025-09-11

Kazakhstan’s First Vice Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, Qanysh Toleushin, responded to questions on potential leadership for the newly planned artificial intelligence ministry, according to Inform.kz. The brief report signals that the government is actively shaping the AI governance framework and considering appointments at a high level. While no specific candidate or timeline was disclosed, the engagement of a senior official suggests that portfolio delineation and leadership selection are moving onto the policy agenda, a key step before the ministry’s launch. International firms watching regulatory clarity around AI can infer that institutional architecture is under discussion, which could precede policy drafts, standards, and budget allocations once leadership is formalized. No direct quotations or detailed policy outlines were provided in the source.

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Pavlodar Region Plans Rapid Digitalization, Positioning Itself as a Key Mining Hub

Published: 2025-09-11

Pavlodar is accelerating the rollout of digital solutions across core public and economic sectors, with authorities signaling that residents should see tangible improvements in the coming years. The region aims to establish itself as one of the country’s significant cryptocurrency mining centers, leveraging local infrastructure and energy availability. While detailed timelines and specific investment figures were not disclosed in the snippet provided, the initiative suggests a coordinated push to modernize services and attract tech-intensive industry. For international firms, the pivot indicates potential opportunities in data center services, grid modernization, and compliance solutions, given the regulatory scrutiny often associated with mining operations. The emphasis on measurable benefits to citizens implies parallel upgrades in e-government, utilities management, and digital public services, which could support broader private-sector digitization initiatives.

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Health

Pension Withdrawals for Dental Care Suspended from September 15; Applications to Resume in April 2026

Published: 2025-09-11

Kazakhstan’s Otbasy Bank will halt new applications to use excess pension savings for dental services from 15 September 2025 on the enpf-otbasy.kz platform, with all requests filed before that date processed as usual. The bank says it will restart intake on 15 April 2026. Authorities cite heavy utilization: 435.1 billion tenge has been directed to dentistry, with 98% spent on prosthetics and implants. Media reports highlighted extreme cases, including one client making 11 withdrawals totaling 32.6 million tenge and another sending 24.7 million tenge in a single transfer, patterns that may have prompted closer oversight. The pause signals tighter control of non-housing uses of pension withdrawals and could temporarily shift out-of-pocket demand in the private dental market until applications reopen in 2026.

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Officials Outline Updates to Compulsory Health Insurance Covering Oncology, Tuberculosis, and Cardiac Care

Published: 2025-09-11

Health Insurance Fund specialists in Astana briefed residents at a primary care center on recent adjustments to the Mandatory Social Health Insurance (MSHI) system, according to the city administration. The update emphasizes expanded pathways for oncology, tuberculosis, and acute cardiac conditions within the MSHI framework, indicating a focus on early access and continuity of care through primary-level facilities. While specific benefit changes were not detailed in the release, the outreach suggests an effort to clarify eligibility, referral routes, and cost coverage for high-burden diseases. The session, delivered by the Astana branch of the Social Health Insurance Fund, signals ongoing policy fine-tuning to align service packages with priority public health needs and to improve patient navigation in the city’s healthcare network.

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Arts

Kazmedia Secures NYT and Harvard Licensing to Expand Kazakh-Language Access to Global Content

Published: 2025-09-11

Kazmedia Holding signed a long-term licensing deal with New York Times Licensing to launch a Kazakhstan edition of Turning Points and reached an agreement with Harvard Business Publishing to distribute Harvard ManageMentor and related leadership content in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, with future localization into Kazakh and Russian under consideration. The company frames the moves as part of a decade-long effort to close a content gap that hampers learning outcomes for Kazakh-speaking students, citing its National Geographic program that has translated over 2,000 articles and reached more than 1 million students across some 3,000 schools. The Turning Points Qazaqstan forum is slated for February 2026 in Astana to convene debates on energy transition, AI, climate, and human capital, with support from state bodies and business groups.

"If that window is closed, we risk losing an entire generation" - Erkin Zhakypov, CEO of Kazmedia Holding (malim.kz)

"Our goal is to be a bridge between global knowledge and local realities" - Erkin Zhakypov, CEO of Kazmedia Holding (malim.kz)

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