10 AI-based projects underway in Kazakhstan’s railway sector
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Transport Minister of Kazakhstan Nurlan Sauranbayev spoke about artificial intelligence projects currently being implemented in Kazakhstan’s transport and logistics sector, Qazinform News Agency reports.
According to him, a key tool of the transformation has been the Smart Cargo platform, which brings together government agencies and business representatives. All cargo information is available through a QR code.
AI automatically checks documents, builds routes, tracks cargo movement, and determines the required permits. As a result, border crossing time has been reduced from four hours to 30 minutes," Nurlan Sauranbayev said.
Digitalization has also reached the railway sector, where around 10 AI-based projects are being implemented. The main one is the KinetiX diagnostic system.
Previously, diagnostics were carried out manually, took up to two hours, and depended on the human factor. Now the system automatically uses video analytics to detect wagon defects, predict faults, and monitor nine key parameters in real time. As a result, the diagnostic process has been reduced to eight minutes," the minister said.
In road transport, an intelligent freight control system is also being introduced. AI determines transport routes, compares data with weigh station records, detects violations, and automatically sends alerts. This helps prevent bypassing weight control checks and reduces road wear.
A unified intelligent transport system, e-Kōlik, is also being developed. Built on the QazTech platform, it will integrate all modes of transport. The system will collect and process data, forecast traffic flows, and automatically make operational decisions.
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Electricity Tariffs in Kazakhstan May Change from July 1
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy has drafted an order approving new maximum electricity tariffs, a correspondent reports.
In order to ensure stable electricity supply and the systematic modernisation of the country's power generation facilities, the maximum tariffs for 60 electricity-producing organisations have been revised. The decision is aimed at creating the financial conditions necessary for the timely implementation of maintenance campaigns, as well as long-term programmes to upgrade equipment and maintain its reliability," the draft order states.
The revised tariffs for electricity-generating companies are scheduled to come into effect on July 1, 2026.
The full text of the document is available through the official publication link.
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IMF Forecasts Kazakhstan's Economy to Grow by 4.6% in 2026
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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects Kazakhstan's economy to expand by around 4.6% in 2026. However, high inflation remains one of the country's main challenges, requiring the continuation of a tight monetary policy stance to keep price growth under control, according to the findings of an IMF mission to Kazakhstan, cited by the National Bank of Kazakhstan.
The IMF estimated that Kazakhstan's economic growth slowed to 3.7% during the first five months of 2026, down from 6.5% at the end of 2025. The slowdown was largely attributed to reduced oil production following an emergency at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium. Nevertheless, the negative impact was partly offset by solid performance in services, transport, construction and manufacturing.
The Fund noted that inflation remains well above the target level of 5%. Although annual inflation declined from 12.9% in September 2025 to 10.4% in May 2026, risks of renewed price acceleration persist due to external price pressures, rising quasi-fiscal activity and further increases in utility tariffs.
Inflation is expected to remain at around 10% this year, while inflation expectations are likely to stay weakly anchored.
The IMF said the National Bank of Kazakhstan should be prepared to tighten monetary policy further if the disinflation process stalls.
The organisation also expects an improvement in public finances, supported by higher oil prices and tax reforms. In 2026, the non-oil fiscal deficit is projected to continue narrowing, while the current account, after posting a deficit of 4.1% of GDP in 2025, could return to a modest surplus.
IMF experts highlighted the resilience of Kazakhstan's banking sector, noting that banks continue to maintain adequate levels of capitalisation, liquidity and profitability, while the growth of consumer lending has moderated to more sustainable levels.
Among the main risks to the economy, the IMF identified stronger domestic demand, rising import prices, tighter global financial conditions, weaker investment activity and potential disruptions to the operations of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium.
As key priorities for further reforms, the IMF recommended that Kazakhstan reduce the state's role in the economy, encourage private investment, deepen capital markets, modernise infrastructure and improve the efficiency of public spending, including through the use of the digital tenge.
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Kazakhstan-Canada Business Council Held in Astana
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The 7th meeting of the Kazakhstan-Canada Business Council (KCBC), co-chaired by Kazatomprom JSC and Cameco Corporation, was held in Astana on June 10, 2026, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The event brought together more than 100 participants, including senior representatives of Kazakhstani government agencies, the business communities of Kazakhstan and Canada, as well as experts and academics.
The event was opened on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan by Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Kuantyrov. Welcoming remarks were also delivered by the KCBC co-chairs - Chairman of the Management Board of Kazatomprom JSC Meirzhan Yussupov and Chief Executive Officer of Cameco Corporation Tim Gitzel (via prerecorded video address).
The business programme featured two thematic sessions dedicated to artificial intelligence development and trade and investment cooperation in the key sectors of the bilateral agenda.
During the first session, Vice-Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan B.Mukhametkaliyev outlined state policy priorities in digital transformation and AI, identifying concrete opportunities for foreign technology companies in the Kazakhstani market. Chris Terris, President of Telus Agriculture & Consumer Goods, shared the company's experience applying AI solutions in the agro-industrial sector. Speakers also addressed AI implementation practices in telecommunications, big data management, manufacturing processes, and other areas. The discussion illustrated the broad range of opportunities for Kazakhstan-Canada cooperation in digital technologies and confirmed mutual interest in pursuing joint initiatives in this field.
At the second panel session, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken" K.Sharlapaev briefed participants on the current state of Kazakhstan’s business environment and its development outlook, drawing Canadian partners’ attention to systemic reforms aimed at improving conditions for investors. The management of QazTrade JSC presented existing tools for stimulating bilateral trade and expanding Kazakhstani exports to Canada. Vice-President of B2Gold N.Reeder, Director of CanAgro R.Minin and Vice-President of Xena Distribution E.Purdy discussed prospects for joint projects in Kazakhstan's mining, energy, and agro-industrial sectors.
At the conclusion of the event, the parties reaffirmed their mutual commitment to deepening cooperation and expressed their intention to consistently implement the agreements reached during the meeting.
The strong representation of Canadian business at the forum reflects growing interest from Canadian business circles in the Kazakhstani market and underscores the country's appeal as the most reliable and secure investment jurisdiction in the region.
The 7th KCBC meeting marked another significant step in advancing the bilateral business dialogue and provided fresh impetus for the development of trade and economic relations between Kazakhstan and Canada.
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Canadian Companies Assess Mining Investment Opportunities in Astana
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A panel session titled "From Rockies to Steppes: Canadian Mining Companies on Kazakhstan's Potential" was held in Astana on the sidelines of the annual AMM-2026 International Metallurgists Congress, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The session brought together leading Canadian mining companies, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The primary objective of the event was to promote investment opportunities in Kazakhstan's mining and metallurgical sector to a broad audience of Canadian and international business partners, and to facilitate the attraction of foreign investment to the industry.
Speakers included Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov, as well as representatives of major Canadian companies B2Gold, Teck Resources, First Quantum Minerals, and Arras Minerals. In his remarks, Deputy Minister Kuantyrov presented Kazakhstan's investment potential in the mining and metallurgical sector, outlining state policies aimed at improving the business climate, supporting investors, and developing the country's mineral resource base. He also invited international partners to participate in new geological exploration and mineral extraction projects in Kazakhstan.
Canadian participants spoke highly of the business environment in Kazakhstan, noting constructive engagement with government authorities, transparent procedures, and consistent efforts to improve the investment climate. During the discussion, the parties examined prospects for the further development of Kazakhstan's mining and metallurgical sector, including the attraction of foreign investment, the adoption of modern technologies, and the expansion of cooperation with international partners.
The event marked a significant milestone in bilateral sectoral dialogue and confirmed the strong interest of Canadian business in expanding its presence in the Kazakhstani market, as well as the mutual commitment of both sides to building long-term partnership in the mining sector.
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