$4.2 billion deal: Kazakhstan to receive American freight locomotives
Images | akorda.kz
As part of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s working visit to the United States, a signing ceremony was held in the presence of U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick with the American company Wabtec, amounting to approximately $4.2 billion. The agreements provide for the production of 300 advanced freight locomotives in Kazakhstan and their subsequent maintenance, akorda.kz reports.
Recognized as a global leader in transport technologies, Wabtec is one of the key partners in modernizing Kazakhstan’s railway industry.
Since 2009, the Wabtec Kazakhstan locomotive assembly plant has been successfully operating in Astana. Over this period, the company has invested more than $230 million. Since its launch, the plant has produced more than 600 locomotives for the national railway company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy and for export. The localization level of production has reached 45%.
In July 2024, Wabtec opened a technology and engineering center in Kazakhstan, which has become a hub for innovation and workforce training.
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Kazakhstan and Hungary Strengthen Strategic Economic and Investment Partnership
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The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Hungary, Abzal Saparbekuly, held a meeting with the State Secretary for Economic Development and Industry of the Ministry of National Economy of Hungary, Mate Loga, as well as with the Deputy State Secretary, Marton Bokai. During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state of trade, economic and investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and Hungary, as well as prospects for its further development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Both sides noted that Hungary is a key trade and economic partner of Kazakhstan in Central and Eastern Europe. Satisfaction with the steady development of bilateral economic cooperation and reaffirmed their mutual interest in its further deepening was also expressed.
Ambassador A. Saparbekuly confirmed Kazakhstan’s plans to diversify the structure of exports to Hungary and to increase export volumes to USD 700 million through supplies of products from the metallurgical, petrochemical, machine-building, food and construction materials industries. Hungary was highlighted as an important investment partner of Kazakhstan, emphasizing that since 2005 the total volume of direct Hungarian investments attracted to Kazakhstan economy has exceeded USD 409 million.
The activities within the Kazakhstan-Hungary Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was also discussed in detail. Established in 2008, the Commission has become an important platform for the development of bilateral economic relations. The parties expressed hope that the 9th meeting of the Commission would be held in Astana in 2026, noting that this would contribute to further intensification of trade, economic and investment cooperation. In this regard, the importance of exchanging information on the implementation of the agreements reached within the framework of the Protocol of the 8th meeting of the Commission held in 2023, as well as discussing new areas of cooperation to be included in the agenda of the next meeting, was emphasized.
One of the key initiatives of bilateral cooperation is the establishment of the Kazakhstan-Hungary Joint Investment Fund with an initial capital of USD 100 million. The parties discussed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of this Fund.
Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further strengthen the strategic economic partnership between Kazakhstan and Hungary and to implement joint projects aimed at the sustainable development of the economies of the two countries.
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Kazakhstan’s Export Potential Discussed in Hong Kong
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A roundtable was to discuss the export potential of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The event was organized by the Consulate General of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong to promote Kazakhstan’s export in the Hong Kong market, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Participants included Hong Kong officials, entrepreneurs, and employees from science and research centers. The Consul General of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong, Bauyrzhan Dosmanbetov, opened the event with a speech, where he emphasized the importance of developing trade and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Hong Kong.
The main element of the program was a presentation showcasing the opportunities of the Kazakh market for Hong Kong representatives. Attendees noted the high potential of Kazakh products, particularly in the food industry, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.
Additionally, Lee Kin-kay, Deputy Commissioner of the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, expressed the importance of further developing cooperation between the regions in trade and logistics. During discussions, key aspects such as quality standards, product safety, and the development of logistical infrastructure for successful exports were highlighted.
As a result, recommendations were developed to strengthen cooperation between Kazakhstan and Hong Kong. Participants agreed to continue joint initiatives to support Kazakhstani exporters and promote their products in the Hong Kong market, marking an important step towards improving trade relations between the two regions.
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Economic growth of Kazakhstan amounted to 6.4% in January-November 2025
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At the Government session chaired by Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, the results of socio-economic development for January-November 2025 were reviewed. A report was delivered by Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin, primeminister.kz reports.
According to the Vice Prime Minister, Kazakhstan’s economy is demonstrating steady dynamics. As a result of 11 months, GDP growth amounted to 6.4%. At the same time, growth in the real sector (8.3%) continues to outpace the services sector (5.3%).
The main drivers of the economy were the transport sector (+20.3%), construction (+14.7%), and the mining industry (+9.7%). Positive dynamics were also observed in trade (+8.8%), agriculture (+6.1%), and manufacturing (+5.9%).
Investment in fixed capital remains an important development factor, increasing by 13.3% to reach 18.5 trillion tenge. Private investment grew by 9.8%.
The largest inflow of capital is observed in sectors that form the basis of high-quality growth: financial activities (+82.8%), energy supply (+57.9%), education (+31.6%), and manufacturing (+20.7%)," Serik Zhumangarin noted.
In the regional breakdown, Akmola, Pavlodar, Zhambyl, Almaty, and Aktobe regions were the leaders in terms of investment growth rates.
In the real sector, manufacturing continues to post strong performance. Growth was driven by an increase in output in mechanical engineering by 11.6%, including automotive manufacturing (+15.2%) and the production of electrical equipment (+16.7%). Production volumes of food products (+8.7%), beverages (+9.2%), and construction materials (+7.1%) also increased. A significant role was played by financial support from the Baiterek holding, which directed more than 8 trillion tenge to priority sectors.
The mining sector grew by 9.7% due to increased production of oil (+14.1%), natural gas (+16.7%), and coal (+9.7%).
Special attention was paid to the agro-industrial complex, which entered a phase of seasonal growth. Gross agricultural output increased by 6.1%. Thanks to favorable weather conditions, a record grain harvest of about 27 million tons was obtained for the second consecutive year. Record volumes of legumes (1 million tons) and oilseeds (4.7 million tons) were also harvested.
The construction sector is demonstrating growth at the level of 14.7%. Since the beginning of the year, 16.9 million square meters of housing have been commissioned, which is 3.9% higher than last year’s figures. The leaders in housing commissioning were Zhetysu Region, Ulytau Region, and Karaganda Region.
Foreign trade turnover for January-October amounted to $116.3 billion. A positive trade balance has been maintained, exceeding $12.9 billion.
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Kazakhstan to boost annual gas transit through Uzbekistan to 8.4bln m³
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The Ministry of Energy has announced plans to increase the volume of gas transit through the territory of Uzbekistan, Qazinform News Agency reports.
As it was reported, QazaqGaz and Uztransgaz signed a contract for gas transit through Uzbekistan.
Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov clarified that this concerns the transit of Russian gas.
“This is the transit of Russian gas. Overall, we are considering the issue of increasing transit volumes to 8.4 billion cubic meters per year,” he said.
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Kazakhstan ready to supply goods worth at least $200mn to Iran
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During the extended talks in Akorda, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Masoud Pezeshkian, discussed the prospects for expanding cooperation between the two countries in trade, economic, and investment spheres, Qazinform News Agency reports.
The Head of State said that Kazakhstan is ready to supply goods worth at least $200 million to Iran.
He hailed the growing volume of the bilateral trade, highlighting the importance of diversification of trade.
He stressed the need to boost interaction in agriculture, transport and logistics, mining sectors, medicine, and advanced technologies.
Tokayev expressed confidence that the documents signed today would give a strong impetus to further development of the political and economic interaction.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also backed the initiative to set up the Trade House of Kazakhstan in Tehran, highlighting the importance of boosting the activity of the Business Council and effectively utilize the potential of the Kazakh-Iranian Commerce and Industry Chamber.
Since January 2025, Iran has invested 17.8 million US dollars of direct investments into Kazakhstan’s economy. Iranian businessmen are actively involved in the implementation of such projects as the launch of a cheese production plant in Almaty region and a leather processing factory in the West Kazakhstan region.
Kazakhstani business entities are also implementing a number of projects in Iran.
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Kazakhstan-Iran trade rises by 40%
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Head of State Kassym-Jomart and President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian held a narrow-format meeting in the Akorda Palace, Qazinform News Agency reports.
During the talks, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that Iran is Kazakhstan's close neighbor and reliable partner in the Middle East.
We hold unwavering respect for the Iranian people. Despite all difficulties, we continue to strengthen our ties. Relations between our countries have deep roots. We share similar customs, traditions, and culture. We have interacted for centuries. Kazakhstan has always supported Iran. There are no problems or unresolved issues between us," he said.
The Kazakh President expressed confidence that both nations have great potential for cooperation.
He stressed that Astana and Tehran had built a constructive political dialogue, including at the governmental level. Bilateral agreements are being implemented, inter‑parliamentary ties are growing, and trade and economic cooperation is expanding, he noted.
Over the first ten months of this year, indicators rose by 40% compared to 2024, which is undoubtedly a positive result. We must maintain this pace and further increase the volume of mutual trade," the Head of State said.
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Kazakhstan and Slovenia Strengthen Economic Dialogue
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The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Slovenia Altay Abibullayev at a meeting with Peter Japelj, Director of the Department of Economic, Cultural and Scientific Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, discussed a range of issues of bilateral cooperation and the implementation of agreements reached following the official visit of the President of the Republic of Slovenia to Kazakhstan in March 2025, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The diplomats paid special attention to the most promising areas of Kazakh-Slovenian economic cooperation, in particular, preparations for the upcoming IGC meeting, energy cooperation, the participation of Slovenian companies in the implementation of agreements between Kazakhstan and the EU in the field of rare earth materials, Kazakhstan's access to the infrastructure of the Slovenian seaport Koper, as well as the intensification of pharmaceutical cooperation with the participation of world-famous Slovenian brands Krka and Lek.
Slovenia is interested in further developing partnerships in the field of advanced medical technologies, biopharma and the supply of medicines to the kazakh market.
The Slovenian Foreign Ministry also supported the proposals of the kazakh side on the comprehensive activation of the digital agenda, cooperation in the field of ICT, artificial intelligence with the participation of Kazakhstan and Slovenian start-up companies, digital security, big data and the introduction of high-tech solutions in industry, energy and public services.
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