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Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Daily: Tenge firms as KASE sets 540, cyclone triggers alerts, and aviation safety checks ordered

,   and  Lexica
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Politics

INTERPOL Issues First ‘Silver Notice’ to Track Allegedly Illicit Assets Linked to Kazakhstan Law Targets

Published: 2025-08-18

INTERPOL has issued the country’s first “Silver Notice” under a pilot tool designed to trace and recover allegedly illicit assets across 196 member states. The mechanism broadens INTERPOL’s traditional focus beyond fugitives to include movable and immovable property and funds, enabling cross-border identification, tracking, and potential restraints. Kazakhstan’s Asset Recovery Committee joined the pilot in 2023 and participates in a working group with 50+ jurisdictions, including the UK, US, EU members, the UAE, and Singapore. Authorities say the notice targets assets associated with persons linked to entities covered by Kazakhstan’s Asset Recovery Law. Since 2022, Kazakhstan reports repatriating over KZT 1.13 trillion, largely from the UAE, Turkey, Austria, and Liechtenstein. The Silver Notice is expected to accelerate data-sharing and legal cooperation, strengthening external enforcement channels for asset tracing and future recovery actions.

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Authorities Break Up Five Major Ponzi Schemes in Pavlodar; Over KZT 2 Billion Returned

Published: 2025-08-18

Authorities in Pavlodar have identified five large-scale financial pyramid schemes since the start of the year, returning more than KZT 2 billion to affected residents, according to Inform.kz. The brief update indicates a sustained enforcement push against fraud targeting local investors, but provides no details on the operators, the number of cases opened, or potential prosecutions. For international observers, the scale of recoveries suggests both significant retail exposure to high-yield scams and improving investigative capacity at the regional level. It also signals heightened regulatory scrutiny of informal investment channels. Further clarity on enforcement outcomes—such as convictions, asset freezes, or cross-border links—will determine whether this marks a durable deterrent and whether additional investor-protection measures are forthcoming.

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Economy

Tenge Firms as KASE Fixes Dollar at 540; Exchange Rates Diverge in Almaty and Astana

Published: 2025-08-18

Kazakhstan’s tenge strengthened slightly, with KASE fixing the U.S. dollar at 540.00 tenge after a 0.93-tenge dip, while the National Bank’s official rate stands at 540.87. Retail exchange points show a split between cities: in Almaty, dollars trade around 539.54–541.45, euros at 629.29–633.41, and rubles at 6.63–6.74; in Astana, dollars run 535.64–544.15, euros 625.68–635.68, and rubles 6.66–6.77. Parallel listings cited by local outlets put Almaty’s dollar at roughly 540.66–542.70 and Astana at 537.76–544.62, underscoring intra-day variance. The moves follow National Bank signaling on FX operations, and the latest snapshot suggests mild appreciation with wider bid-ask spreads in the capital. International payers should expect modest day-to-day volatility and differing walk-up rates between major cities.

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KMG Reports Output Growth, New Export Routes and China-Backed Exploration as President Orders Push on Investment

Published: 2025-08-18

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received KazMunayGas (KMG) CEO Askhat Khasenov for a seven-month performance briefing covering production, exports, and investments. Oil and condensate output reached 15.3 million tonnes (+9% y/y), with gas at 6.7 bcm (+19% y/y). Crude transport totaled 49 million tonnes, including 0.9 million tonnes via Azerbaijan, 1.1 million tonnes to Germany, and a first 85,000-tonne shipment to Hungary—signaling diversification beyond traditional routes. Domestic refining hit 10.4 million tonnes, with record fuels output of 7.8 million tonnes. Exploration is accelerating: seven appraisal wells are planned this year (three drilled), while China’s CNOOC will fund exploration for the first time and Sinopec is eyeing major investments; Shell, Chevron and BP are assessing blocks in Atyrau, Aktobe, and Mangystau. KMG also flagged downstream and infrastructure projects, including gas processing upgrades at West Prorva, Oriktau and Rozhkov, a 247 MW hybrid power plant, and a $7.4 billion polyethylene complex. > "Continue systematic work on geological exploration and major investment initiatives" - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (aikyn.kz)

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Government Expands Procurement Preferences, Guarantees, and Financing Tools to Lift Local Manufacturing and SMEs

Published: 2025-08-18

Kazakhstan is scaling up support for domestic producers and SMEs through three pillars: demand certainty via regulated procurement and long-term/offtake contracts; broader access to finance with subsidies, guarantees, and a new co‑lending program; and lighter regulation with digital services. Authorities removed national regime exemptions for 4,834 items to prioritize local sourcing, signing over 106,000 H1 2025 contracts worth KZT 333.4 bn—more than double year-on-year. A unified Register of Domestic Producers will replace ST‑KZ and industrial certificates with automated verification, slated for full launch on Jan 1, 2026, to curb “fake manufacturers.” Samruk‑Kazyna and subsoil users now account for over 40% of total strategic procurement; long-term/offtake deals reached KZT 1.132 tn in H1 2025. The Damu Fund backed 17,000 projects with roughly KZT 1 tn in subsidized loans in 2024 and is rolling out dual guarantee facilities and the Orleu co‑lending scheme, while regulatory streamlining cut oversight burdens and expanded eGov Business services.

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Tenge Firms Slightly as KASE Daytime Trading Closes Lower for the Dollar

Published: 2025-08-18

The tenge appreciated modestly against the U.S. dollar during daytime trading on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) on 18 August, according to exchanges cited by Inform.kz and Zakon.kz. The session closed at 15:30 local time with the dollar slipping slightly, signaling stable intraday liquidity and limited FX demand. While precise rates were not disclosed in the brief reports, the move suggests continued range-bound trading following recent interventions and seasonal corporate tax payments that typically support the tenge. Market participants often watch KASE’s daytime fix for cues on end-of-day pricing and for implications on import costs, retail FX spreads, and short-term monetary conditions. Without official commentary from the central bank or the exchange, the decline appears technical and incremental, rather than policy-driven, and aligns with subdued regional FX volatility.

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Trade Surplus Narrows 33% in H1 2025 as Export Cushion Thins

Published: 2025-08-18

Kazakhstan’s trade surplus fell 32.9% year on year to USD 7.7 billion in the first half of 2025, down from USD 11.5 billion in H1 2024, according to the Association of Financiers of Kazakhstan, as reported by Inform.kz. The sharp contraction signals weaker external support for the current account and could weigh on fiscal and currency dynamics if sustained. While the article provides no breakdown, typical drivers include softer commodity export values, higher import demand tied to domestic consumption and investment, or a mix of both. For investors and operators, a smaller surplus can tighten foreign currency liquidity and increase sensitivity to global commodity prices. Monitoring upcoming National Bank balance-of-payments releases and energy export data will be key to assessing whether this is a temporary fluctuation or a trend.

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Manufacturing Output Tops 16 Trillion Tenge in 2025 with 6.1% Growth

Published: 2025-08-18

The government reports that Kazakhstan’s manufacturing sector expanded by 6.1% in 2025, pushing total output above 16 trillion tenge. The growth is presented as part of a broader effort to build a “strong industrial foundation” following President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s directive, with sustained support for domestic producers and the wider processing industry. While the statement underscores industrial policy continuity and targeted backing for local manufacturers, it does not provide a sectoral breakdown, export performance, or regional distribution of gains—key details investors often track. The figures suggest ongoing prioritization of import substitution and value-added production, aligning with state-led industrial strategies. Market participants will be watching for specifics on new capacity launches, financing tools, and policy incentives that may underpin the reported momentum.

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Elevator Owners in North Kazakhstan Oppose Antimonopoly Rules, Warn of Shadow Market Shift

Published: 2025-08-18

Elevator operators in North Kazakhstan have pushed back against new initiatives from the Agency for Protection and Development of Competition, arguing the measures could drive grain storage and trading into the informal economy. While details of the agency’s proposals were not disclosed in the brief report, industry concerns typically center on pricing controls, licensing, or operational restrictions that can compress margins for grain elevators. For agribusiness stakeholders, a migration to the shadow market would complicate traceability, tax collection, and export compliance—key issues in a region that serves cross-border grain flows to Russia and Central Asia. The agency’s move signals tighter oversight of agricultural logistics, but without clarity on the rules, uncertainty may delay investment decisions and prompt hedging behaviors across the grain supply chain.

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Samsung Home Appliances Begin Local Production at Saran Plant, Targeting Import Substitution This Fall

Published: 2025-08-18

Silk Road Electronics has launched production of Samsung TVs and washing machines at its Saran plant in Karaganda Region, marking a concrete step in Kazakhstan–South Korea industrial cooperation. The facility is equipped with modern lines meeting international quality standards and plans an annual capacity of up to 1.1 million units. The first phase will assemble 21 TV models and 17 washing machine models, with locally produced units slated to replace imports in retail from September. The project signals a scale-up of domestic appliance manufacturing, potentially reducing logistics costs and delivery times while supporting supply-chain localization. It also positions the plant as a regional hub candidate, contingent on sustaining quality assurance and achieving volume targets. No official statements or named quotes were provided in the source.

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State Plans Larger Procurement from Samruk-Kazyna as 551 Subsoil Contracts Total KZT 901 Billion

Published: 2025-08-18

The government reported that 551 subsoil use contracts worth KZT 901 billion were concluded, indicating sustained activity in mining and energy services. Authorities also said the Samruk-Kazyna sovereign wealth fund will increase procurement from domestic oilfield services (ОТӨ), signaling a push to channel more state-linked demand to local suppliers. Details on timing, sectors within subsoil use, and the breakdown of procurement categories were not disclosed. For international firms, the dual signals—robust contracting in subsoil extraction and a procurement shift by Samruk-Kazyna toward local offerings—suggest potential partnership opportunities via local content strategies and joint ventures. Clarification on procurement procedures, eligibility criteria, and timelines will be critical for market entry planning and compliance with local content requirements.

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Tax Administration Softens for SMEs with Warning-Based Compliance and Easier Payment Deferrals

Published: 2025-08-18

Kazakhstan will ease tax administration from next year, shifting from punitive enforcement to a warning-first model, according to the State Revenue Committee. Small tax debts will no longer trigger automatic bank account freezes; instead, authorities will roll out staged notifications, allowing businesses time to correct errors without penalties. Camera-based audits will become advisory, and procedures to collect arrears, grant deferrals, and authorize installment payments will be simplified—measures expected to reduce compliance risks for SMEs and sole proprietors. Special tax regimes for small and medium enterprises and self-employed workers are also being updated, signaling a broader pivot toward facilitation over sanctions in tax compliance.

"The methods of tax administration will change fundamentally... If the debt is small, entrepreneurs’ accounts will not be automatically blocked. A phased notification system will be used, giving businesses time to make timely corrections." - Zhanibek Nurzhanov, Deputy Chair, State Revenue Committee (egemen.kz)

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SME Reforms Advance with Law Scrapping 10,000+ Requirements

Published: 2025-08-18

Kazakhstan has continued a multi‑year overhaul of business regulation, with the government reporting that a new law adopted on April 6, 2024, refines state oversight and removes more than 10,000 redundant requirements for doing business. Authorities say the reform process began in 2021 and is being rolled out in stages to simplify the regulatory environment for entrepreneurs. Officials linked the streamlining to broader efforts to improve the ease of doing business and reduce administrative pressure on companies. While the announcement highlights a lighter compliance burden, details on sector-specific changes and enforcement timelines were not provided. The government framed the initiative as part of an ongoing shift toward risk-based supervision and a more predictable regulatory regime aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and fostering private-sector growth.

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Soft-Financing Extends to 417 SME Projects Totaling KZT 203.7 Billion

Published: 2025-08-18

Under the government’s "Өрлеу" program, 417 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) projects received concessional financing worth KZT 203.7 billion, the Cabinet’s press service reported. The initiative signals ongoing state support to diversify the economy and ease credit access for SMEs, a sector that contributes significantly to employment and non-extractive growth. While the announcement did not specify sectors or regions, concessional funding typically targets manufacturing, services, and agribusiness, suggesting broad coverage across priority areas. For foreign investors and partners, the scale indicates continued policy emphasis on SME development and financial intermediation through subsidized loans or guarantees. Monitoring details such as average loan rates, maturities, and implementing banks will be key to assessing the program’s effectiveness and potential pipeline opportunities in supply chains and local partnerships.

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State-Backed Damu Fund Plans Bigger SME Support with 2025 Concessional Financing Pool

Published: 2025-08-18

Kazakhstan’s government plans to allocate 271.1 billion tenge in 2025 for concessional financing to bolster small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the Damu Entrepreneurship Development Fund, according to an official announcement. The move signals continued priority on SME-led growth and job creation, offering cheaper credit to ease high borrowing costs and liquidity constraints. While program design details are not disclosed, Damu typically channels funds via partner banks and microfinance organizations, covering interest-rate subsidies and partial guarantees. For foreign investors and corporate suppliers, expanded SME financing could widen procurement options and local partnerships across regions, supporting import substitution and supply chain resilience. Monitoring criteria—such as sector targeting, interest caps, and guarantee limits—will shape uptake and impact on non-resource sectors in 2025. No implementation timeline beyond the annual allocation was provided.

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Diplomacy

Astana and Tashkent Deepen Parliamentary Ties with 2025–2026 Roadmap and High-Level Honors

Published: 2025-08-18

"Your visit is very important for strengthening friendly relations... Closer and more successful cooperation between our countries will help keep the region calm." - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (egemen.kz)

Kazakhstan hosted Uzbekistan Senate Chair Tanzila Narbayeva for talks centered on expanding inter-parliamentary diplomacy and advancing trade, investment, and cultural cooperation. Tokayev underscored the strategic character of bilateral ties and awarded Narbayeva the Order of Dostyk (Friendship), Second Class, recognizing her role in deepening partnership. Both sides discussed implementing leaders’ agreements, with emphasis on legal support for projects in water-energy, transport-logistics, agriculture, machine building, education, communications, digitization, and food security. The visit concluded with a 2025–2026 roadmap signed between the Senates to intensify legislative exchanges, joint events, and committee-level cooperation. Preparations for Kazakhstan’s Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and Uzbekistan’s continued participation were also highlighted.

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Infrastructure

Astana LRT Lays All Mainline Rails, Moving to Welding and Safety Works

Published: 2025-08-18

Astana’s light rail project reached a key build milestone with rail installation completed along the 22.4 km mainline between stations 101 and 118. Contractors have laid 89,600 linear meters of high-carbon steel rails using continuous welded rail on pre-stressed sleepers with DTVII2-1 fastenings, a configuration intended to cut vibration and noise for passengers and nearby neighborhoods. Welding is underway, followed by final rail fixation; next steps include installing evacuation platforms to enhance emergency safety. The update signals incremental progress on a strategically important but long-delayed transport corridor that city planners view as central to relieving congestion and supporting new residential and commercial districts on both banks of the Yessil River. No commissioning date or rolling stock timeline was provided in the reports.

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Energy Ministry Denies Planned Power Limits in Southern Regions

Published: 2025-08-18

Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry dismissed social media claims that electricity rationing is being prepared in the southern regions, stating there is no basis for such reports. Officials characterized the power system as stable, countering speculation that typically arises during peak summer demand and maintenance seasons. For businesses and households, the clarification signals no immediate curbs on consumption or disruptions to industrial schedules in Almaty, Shymkent, and surrounding areas. The Ministry’s posture suggests grid operations and cross-regional balancing remain adequate for current loads, while authorities continue longer-term efforts to bolster generation and transmission capacity ahead of winter. No detailed contingency measures or emergency alerts were announced, indicating standard operating conditions prevail across the south.

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Presidential Reviews Spotlight Infrastructure, Industry and Housing Push in Akmola and Kostanay

Published: 2025-08-18

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received the governors of Akmola and Kostanay regions for mid-year briefings on growth, infrastructure and investment pipelines. Akmola aims to cement agricultural leadership with output targeted at 1.2 trillion tenge and expanded oilseed acreage, while advancing a $4+ billion investment portfolio tied to the new Aqmola industrial zone and an estimated 10,000 jobs. Housing delivery accelerated: 4,700 families received homes over two years, cutting the vulnerable waiting list by 29%; school capacity issues were resolved ahead of the new year. Utilities upgrades include a CHP build in Kokshetau (240 MW electricity/520 Gcal heat), water treatment nearing completion for 200,000 residents, and gas to nine settlements by year-end. Kostanay reported 4.3% industrial growth (1.82 trillion tenge), 13 major projects worth 337 billion tenge, and imminent launch of a KIA plant (70,000 units/year, 1,500 jobs), alongside road reconstructions and 54 water projects. Tokayev directed timely heating readiness, robust harvest operations, anti-flood measures, investment attraction, and rural water access improvements.

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Public Contest to Name Planned Nuclear Power Plant Moves Ahead with New Rules and Commission

Published: 2025-08-18

Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency has begun organizing a nationwide contest to name the planned nuclear power plant in Almaty region’s Zhambyl district. A working group is tasked with drafting contest rules by August 29, including timelines and procedures for submitting and reviewing proposals, and a commission will include civil society representatives, creative industry professionals, and experts in nuclear energy, philology, and history. The Agency will run an information campaign across official channels and media. The initiative follows the President’s proposal to engage the public in the project’s identity, a move likely intended to build legitimacy for a high‑profile, strategically sensitive energy investment. Construction formally launched on August 8, 2025, at Ulken on Lake Balkhash, marking the country’s first nuclear plant project. The naming process signals a push for broader societal buy‑in as the project advances.

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Caspian Pipeline Consortium Begins Scheduled Hose Replacement at Tengiz Terminal

Published: 2025-08-18

The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) has started planned maintenance at its Tengiz marine terminal, initiating the scheduled replacement of floating and subsea hoses on the CPC-3 single point mooring system. The work is described as proceeding according to plan. While the notice is brief, such maintenance is routine for offshore loading infrastructure and is typically aimed at ensuring safe and uninterrupted crude exports from Kazakhstan’s Tengiz field via the CPC route to the Black Sea. The CPC pipeline remains the primary export corridor for a significant share of Kazakhstan’s oil, so adherence to maintenance schedules can help minimize shipment disruptions and operational risk. No timeline or impact on loading rates was disclosed, and no officials were quoted in the announcement.

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Speed Limit Slashed to 20 km/h on Section of National Highway

Published: 2025-08-18

A section of a national highway has introduced a sharp speed reduction, lowering the limit from the usual 140 km/h to 20 km/h, according to Zakon.kz. While the precise location and duration were not specified, such a drastic limit typically signals major roadworks, hazardous conditions, or a temporary safety regime. Drivers on intercity routes should expect slower travel times, potential congestion, and stricter enforcement. Logistics operators may need to adjust schedules and routes to maintain delivery timelines. The move underscores ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and infrastructure management on high-speed corridors. Authorities usually post temporary signage and deploy patrols during such changes; motorists should monitor official updates for affected segments and timelines, as well as any penalties for non-compliance.

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Kalkaman Metro Station in Almaty Scheduled for Completion in First Half of 2026

Published: 2025-08-18

Almaty authorities have set the completion timeline for the Kalkaman metro station in Nauryzbay District for the first half of 2026, according to state news agency reports. The station expands the city’s metro network westward, aiming to improve connectivity for rapidly growing residential areas on the urban periphery. Once operational, the new stop is expected to ease surface traffic on key corridors and shorten commute times into central business districts. For developers and employers, the extension may support new commercial activity and residential densification along the corridor. For transport operators, the timeline indicates planning windows for procurement, staffing, and integration with bus feeder routes. No additional details on budget, contractors, or phased testing were provided in the announcement.

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Seized Corruption Funds to Finance Village Water Supply in Kostanay Region

Published: 2025-08-18

Authorities activated a centralized water system in Nikolaevka, Kostanay region, addressing a long-standing shortage of potable water. The project will be financed using funds confiscated from corruption cases, according to regional officials, signaling a targeted reallocation of recovered assets toward essential infrastructure. The move aligns with broader national efforts to channel illicitly obtained money into social services and rural development, potentially accelerating similar upgrades in other settlements facing water stress. While timelines and budget specifics were not disclosed, the focus on basic utilities underscores priorities in improving living standards outside major cities and could influence future public investment frameworks and anti-corruption asset recovery strategies. No further details were provided on the scale of the network or the number of households connected, but authorities say the launch will ensure residents receive clean drinking water.

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Society

Unemployment Benefits Reach 244,300 Recipients with Automated eGov Enrollment

Published: 2025-08-18

Kazakhstan’s State Social Insurance Fund reports 244,300 people received unemployment benefits as of August 1, 2025, with 188,100 granted for the first time this year; total payouts reached KZT 73.2 billion. Under current rules, laid-off workers registered in the mandatory social insurance system receive payments for one to six months, up to 45% of lost income, calculated on contributions and earnings over the previous 24 months. Registration is processed through eGov.kz or the Electronic Labor Exchange (enbek.kz). After registering as a job seeker and if no placement is found within one day via local career centers, jobless status is assigned remotely within three working days. The Ministry’s system then issues an SMS to confirm benefit assignment, triggering automatic payment. The benefit applies regardless of dismissal reason and is designed to support job search.

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Environment

Storm Alerts, Fire Risk and Cooler Temperatures as Cyclone Drives Unsettled Weather Nationwide

Published: 2025-08-18

Kazhydromet issued severe weather alerts for 18 August across Astana and 15 regions, citing a north‑west cyclone bringing thunderstorms, rain, hail, squalls and strong winds. Eastern and northern regions face heavy precipitation with possible hail (Aбай, East Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, Kostanay, North Kazakhstan, Karaganda), while western areas, notably Mangystau, may see dust storms. High to extreme wildfire danger persists in much of the south and west, including Atyrau, Aktobe, Zhambyl, Almaty, Kyzylorda, Mangystau and parts of Batyс Kazakhstan. Short‑term air quality deterioration is forecast in Aktobe and overnight in Atyrau due to adverse meteorological conditions. Looking ahead, the cyclone keeps showers and gusts in play, with temperatures easing in the north to daytime 17–25°C and cooler nights in the east (5–15°C). On 19 August, heat returns locally (Atyrau up to 35–39°C), alongside continued storm warnings in 16 regions.

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Almaty Plans to Restrict Older, High-Emission Cars from City Center

Published: 2025-08-18

Almaty authorities are drafting new clean-air rules that would restrict access to the city center for vehicles below Euro-5 emissions standards, according to a proposal posted for public consultation on the Open NLA platform. The move aligns with broader efforts to curb urban pollution in Kazakhstan’s largest city, where transport is a key source of PM2.5 and NOx emissions. If adopted, the policy would effectively create a low-emission zone targeting older gasoline and diesel cars, with implications for commuting patterns, logistics, and vehicle ownership costs. Implementation details such as enforcement mechanisms, affected zones, timelines, exemptions (e.g., for residents or essential services), and potential incentives for fleet upgrades have not yet been specified. The draft is open to feedback, signaling potential adjustments before formal adoption and rollout.

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Warming Accelerates in Central Eurasia as Kazakhstan Records Faster Temperature Rise and Shifting Precipitation Patterns

Published: 2025-08-18

Kazakhstan is warming faster than the global average, according to the Central Asia Project Office on Climate Change and Green Energy, with national observations showing a steady increase in extreme weather. World Meteorological Organization data indicate every decade since the 1980s has been warmer than the last, and 2005–2024 is the hottest 20-year span on record. Kazhydromet reports average annual temperatures in Kazakhstan are rising by 0.36°C per decade, with regional rates ranging from 0.26°C to 0.56°C. Precipitation trends diverge by season: winter and spring totals have increased in many northern and western areas, while summer and autumn show declines, especially in the west and southwest. Authorities note more heatwaves, more days above 30°C, and fewer cold days, elevating risks to infrastructure, agriculture, and social stability.

"Given Kazakhstan’s geography and vast area, climate change will affect each region differently. Anticipating impacts and implementing adaptation measures in time is crucial for sustainable development." - Tursyn Tilläkärim, Director, Kazhydromet R&D Center (informburo.kz)

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Cold Snap and Heavy Rains Forecast for August 19–21

Published: 2025-08-18

National weather service Kazhydromet forecasts an early autumn turn in conditions across the country from August 19 to 21, with temperatures dropping to around +5°C in some areas and periods of heavy rainfall. The three-day outlook indicates cooler-than-normal weather, signaling a shift from recent summer patterns and potential disruptions to travel and outdoor activity. Businesses and logistics operators should anticipate wetter roads and possible delays in regional routes, particularly where downpours are concentrated. Agricultural planning may also be affected by lower nighttime temperatures and excess moisture in fields. Authorities typically advise motorists to adjust driving speeds and check vehicle readiness when rain intensifies, while residents should prepare for sudden temperature declines and carry appropriate rain gear.

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Innovation

Defense Ministry creates dedicated unit to deploy AI across Armed Forces operations

Published: 2025-08-18

Kazakhstan’s Defense Ministry has established a specialized unit to introduce and develop artificial intelligence across the Armed Forces, positioning it as a core element of military digital transformation. The unit will build and deploy AI solutions for large-scale data analysis, automated command-and-control, operational scenario modeling, and faster decision-making in contemporary combat conditions. It plans to collaborate with domestic and international research centers, leading universities, and sector-focused IT firms to bring cutting-edge developments into service and cultivate a national school for military AI. The initiative also prioritizes talent development, training officer-analysts and digital specialists to work with modern algorithms and systems. Officials frame the move as part of a broader effort to strengthen efficiency, security, and sovereignty through a new management architecture.

"Integrating AI technologies into army operations is a key step in modernization and aligns with global defense trends." - Dauren Kosanov, Minister of Defense (egemen.kz)

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Online Registration Planned for Dealership Car Purchases as Government Tests eGov Pilot

Published: 2025-08-18

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development has drafted an order to pilot first-time vehicle registration via the eGov portal, targeting cars purchased from authorized dealerships. The draft, posted on the Open NLA portal, would allow buyers to complete initial state registration online, reducing in-person visits to Special CSCs and accelerating number plate issuance. The initiative aligns with broader digital public service reforms and aims to cut processing times and administrative friction in the auto market. If approved following public consultation and interagency review, the pilot could establish a national model for end-to-end digital registration tied to dealership sales, with implications for compliance, traceability of new vehicles, and customer experience across major cities where new car sales are concentrated.

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School Transfers Go Fully Online via eGov Portal

Published: 2025-08-18

Parents and legal guardians can now transfer students between schools entirely online through Kazakhstan’s eGov.kz portal, according to announcements from the Ministry of Education. The service lets users choose any school within or outside their residence area, submit applications electronically, select the language of instruction, and, if needed, withdraw applications. Notably, it removes paperwork previously required, such as deregistration slips, approval coupons, and physical student files. To apply, users must register on eGov.kz, navigate to Education → Secondary Education → “Transfer children from one school to another,” complete the application, sign with a digital signature (EDS), and track results in their personal cabinet. This streamlines mobility for families moving cities or seeking specialized programs, reducing administrative friction and standardizing processing nationwide.

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Prime Minister Establishes Rapid-Response Digital Transformation Task Force

Published: 2025-08-18

The Prime Minister signed an order on 12 August 2025 forming a rapid-response task force—termed the Digital Headquarters—to drive Kazakhstan’s digital transformation agenda, according to inform.kz and zakon.kz. The move formalizes a centralized mechanism to coordinate ministries and agencies on priority digitalization projects, regulatory updates, and acceleration of e-government services. While detailed membership lists and mandates were not fully disclosed in the brief reports, the creation of an operational group signals a shift to tighter oversight and faster decision-making on cross-cutting digital initiatives, including data governance, public service platforms, and interoperability. For international businesses, the task force could streamline approvals, standardize interfaces with state systems, and clarify accountability across government stakeholders. Further guidance is expected as the group defines workstreams and publishes an implementation roadmap.

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Health

Unscheduled Safety Inspections Ordered for Private and General Aviation After Fatal Crash Near Astana

Published: 2025-08-18

Kazakhstan’s Aviation Administration suspended operators directly linked to aviation incidents recorded between June 22 and August 17, and ordered unscheduled inspections of general aviation fleets in Astana, Almaty, and Karaganda. Authorities will examine 49 aircraft and audit organizations responsible for airworthiness assessments of light and ultralight aircraft. The measures follow a deadly crash roughly 50 km from Astana. Regulators aim to elevate operational safety standards across private and general aviation, signaling tighter oversight of non-scheduled operators and maintenance entities. Businesses relying on charter, training, and aerial work services should anticipate potential disruptions during inspections and possible grounding if deficiencies are found. No inspection timetable beyond the immediate checks was disclosed, and details on the suspended operators were not provided by officials.

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International Animal-Health Status Secured as Disease Outbreaks Halve and Export Markets Reopen

Published: 2025-08-18

A government meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and National Economy Minister Serik Zhumangarin reviewed progress on veterinary and phytosanitary security, highlighting a 50% year-on-year drop in new animal disease outbreaks (58 foci across eight diseases since January). Improved biosecurity enabled the World Organisation for Animal Health to grant international disease-status recognitions (including for FMD and major transboundary diseases), leading to the lifting of restrictions by China, Russia, Belarus, Armenia, and Türkiye and opening access to EU, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, and China. Bilateral veterinary certificates have been signed, with outreach ongoing to Japan, South Korea, the UAE, Canada, and the UK. Vice Minister of Agriculture Amangali Berdalin noted domestic vaccine production now covers 18 of 22 vaccines, rising from 68% to 82% local share, with national labs undergoing a two-year modernization. Persistent gaps include 373 vacant regional veterinarian posts and 185 inspector vacancies, prompting planned pay increases and joint measures with the higher education ministry. Authorities will also accelerate full livestock digitization via the ASHJB system to improve epizootic control. Locust control was completed without crop damage, with treated area down by 400,000 ha to 2.7 million ha.

"Since 2023, Kazakhstan has expanded domestic vaccine and diagnostic production; the share of local products rose from 68% to 82%. Eighteen of the 22 vaccines procured in the country are now produced domestically" - Amangali Berdalin, Vice Minister of Agriculture (dknews.kz)

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