Foreign Investment Inflows into Kazakhstan Rise to $20.5 Billion
Images | Depositphotos
Investment in fixed capital in Kazakhstan increased by 6.7% year-on-year to KZT 4.9 trillion in the first four months of 2026, outpacing the overall rate of economic growth, Deputy Minister of National Economy Arman Kassenov said at a briefing at the Central Communications Service.
According to Kassenov, gross inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) reached $20.5 billion in 2025, up 14.4% from the previous year.
He noted that the structure of Kazakhstan's economy and investment flows has undergone significant changes in recent years.
Today, Kazakhstan's economy is more diversified than it was 10 to 15 years ago. For example, in 2010, oil extraction accounted for 16.5% of GDP. By the end of 2024, the share of the oil-producing industry had fallen to 8.1%. Foreign direct investment is following the same trend: diversification is also taking place on the investor side. Investors are becoming increasingly interested not only in extractive industries, metallurgy and the oil and gas sector, but also in other areas of the economy," he said.
The sectors that attracted the largest volumes of foreign investment last year were:
- Wholesale and retail trade - $4.8 billion;
- Manufacturing - $4.4 billion;
- Financial and insurance activities - $4.3 billion;
- Information and communications - $1.4 billion;
- Transportation and storage - $977 million.
The Netherlands, Russia and China remain Kazakhstan's largest foreign investors.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
relevant news
Kazakhstan Extends Ban on Export of Certain Timber Products for Six Months
Images | depositphotos.com
Kazakhstan has extended a ban on the export of certain types of timber products for an additional six months.
The relevant order was signed by the Ministry of Industry and Construction, an agency correspondent reported.
The export from the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan by all modes of transport of certain types of timber products, regardless of their country of origin, shall be prohibited for a period of six months, with the exception of EAEU Commodity Nomenclature code 4406910000 (‘Other coniferous wooden railway or tramway sleepers’) and EAEU Commodity Nomenclature code 4401310000 (‘Wood pellets’), provided that their country of origin is the Republic of Kazakhstan," the order states.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Tourism Generated KZT 630 Billion in Tax Revenue for Kazakhstan
Images | Depositphotos
Tax revenues from Kazakhstan’s tourism sector reached KZT 630 billion ($1.2 billion) last year, up 18% from the previous year, Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabossynov said at a government meeting.
More than 600,000 people are currently employed in the industry, the minister noted.
Tax revenues increased by 18% to KZT 630 billion. Foreign tourists spent $2.9 billion in Kazakhstan. Investment attracted to the tourism sector rose by 33% year-on-year to KZT 1.3 trillion. The industry's contribution to the national economy reached KZT 5 trillion," Myrzabossynov said.
According to the minister, eco-tourism continues to demonstrate steady growth. Visitor numbers to Kazakhstan’s national parks reached 3.7 million last year.
Business and convention tourism is also emerging as a sector with significant export potential.
Last year, Kazakhstan hosted 13 international events that generated approximately $18 million for the economy. To strengthen the country’s position in the global market, existing infrastructure constraints must be addressed. In particular, Almaty, as the country’s main business hub, requires a modern international-standard convention and exhibition centre. An appropriate decision on this issue should be made," Myrzabossynov said.
He also highlighted the strong potential of medical tourism, noting that Kazakhstan welcomed around 80,000 foreign patients last year.
Another unique tourism asset of the country is the Baikonur complex, the world’s first and largest spaceport. The time required for foreign visitors to obtain permits has been reduced to 10 days. This has improved accessibility and enabled tour operators to expand launch-viewing programmes and off-launch tourism activities. The Gagarin Launch Pad, the Assembly and Refuelling Complex, and the Dynamic Test Facility transferred to Kazakhstan have considerable tourism potential. However, their development will require modernisation and substantial investment. Project teasers have already been prepared for potential investors," the minister said.
Myrzabossynov noted that one of the key events of this year will be the international tournament "Games of the Future", which will take place in Astana from July 29 to August 9.
The event is expected to bring together around 900 athletes from more than 50 countries, as well as representatives of international sports organisations, the digital industry, media outlets and fans.
The minister said that Kazakhstan is currently implementing 328 tourism investment projects with a total value of approximately KZT 1.3 trillion. Twenty-five internationally branded hotels are expected to be commissioned.
Among the major projects scheduled for completion by the end of 2027 are a Hilton hotel in Shymkent worth KZT 17.5 billion, a Marriott hotel complex in Konaev valued at KZT 28 billion, and the Zhibek Zholy resort and entertainment complex with an investment value of KZT 53.3 billion.
The minister also said that the sector’s digital transformation is continuing. More than 900,000 users have already been registered in the eQonaq tourist flow monitoring system, while an upgraded Kazakhstan.travel portal featuring an AI assistant and traveller services is scheduled to be launched by the end of 2026.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan’s Oil Production Rises to 100 Million Tonnes Per Year
Images | Depositphotos
Kazakhstan’s annual oil production has increased from 80 million tonnes to 100 million tonnes over the past decade, a correspondent reports.
Growth was uneven, with declines in 2020-2021 due to the pandemic and OPEC+ production restrictions. However, in the long-term trend, Kazakhstan has strengthened its position," the Energy Analytics Telegram channel said.
According to the report, the key drivers behind the increase in oil production have been the country’s major energy projects - Tengiz, Kashagan and Karachaganak.
The increase has been particularly noticeable since 2016, when production rose from 78 million tonnes in 2016 to 86 million tonnes in 2017 (...) Kazakhstan has managed not only to maintain production levels but also to reach a new record high of around 100 million tonnes in 2025," the report said.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
OPEC+ to Increase Oil Production in July
Images | Depositphotos
OPEC+ countries have agreed to increase oil production by 188,000 barrels per day. The adjustment will take effect in July 2026.
According to the published communiqué, the production increase will apply to Kazakhstan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Algeria and Oman.
Kazakhstan's production target has been set at 1.608 million barrels per day. Saudi Arabia's quota will amount to 10.353 million barrels per day, while Russia's production target has been set at 9.824 million barrels per day.
The next meeting of participating countries is scheduled for July 5.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan to Build Its First Sanitary Ware Manufacturing Plant
Images | gov.kz
Kazakhstan is set to establish its first plant for the production and assembly of sanitary ware and bathroom accessories. The project will be implemented by Spanish company Roca Group, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.
The project will involve investments of 44.1 billion tenge. Once operational, the facility will be capable of producing up to 500,000 units annually and is expected to create around 300 permanent jobs.
Gabidulla Ospankulov, Chairman of the Investment Committee of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met with company representatives to discuss the progress of the project.
During the meeting, Ospankulov outlined the government support measures available to investors, including tax incentives, and highlighted the advantages of doing business in Kazakhstan.
The ministry added that an investment agreement for the project has been signed by the Government of Kazakhstan, the administration of the Kyzylorda Region and Roca Group.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.