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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Kazakhstan to Ban Tomato Imports
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Kazakhstan's Ministry of Agriculture has drafted an order introducing a temporary ban on the import of fresh and chilled tomatoes from third countries. The decision was made in accordance with the protocol adopted at a meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Foreign Trade Policy and Participation in International Economic Organizations on June 5, 2026.
According to the document, the import of tomatoes into Kazakhstan from third countries by all modes of transport is planned to be prohibited until July 1, 2026.
The restrictions will not apply to tomato supplies from member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), nor will they affect international transit shipments passing through Kazakhstan.
The Ministry of Agriculture said the measure is aimed at supporting domestic producers and ensuring stable market access for Kazakhstan-grown agricultural products.
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Investment in Shymkent Reached Nearly 860 Billion Tenge in 2025
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President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received Shymkent Mayor Gabit Syzdykbekov and heard a report on the city's socio-economic development, the presidential press service Akorda said.
According to the results of last year, the gross regional product reached 5.7 trillion tenge, increasing by 11%. In terms of GRP growth, Shymkent ranked second among all regions of the country. In 2025, 859.5 billion tenge in investment was attracted to the city’s economy, of which 72% consisted of private investment. Overall growth reached 7.5%," the statement said.
The mayor reported that over the past three years, 50 industrial projects worth a total of 170 billion tenge had been implemented, creating more than 3,500 new jobs. The number of active business entities reached 133,000, while the value of goods and services they produced amounted to 4.7 trillion tenge. Their share in the gross regional product increased from 41% to 56%.
Positive momentum in key socio-economic indicators has continued during the first four months of 2026. The short-term economic indicator rose by 10.4%. Growth was recorded in industry, construction, trade and transport," the head of the city administration reported.
Tokayev was also briefed on the implementation of his previous instructions. A 200-bed perinatal centre is currently under construction in Shymkent, while a 150-place rehabilitation centre is scheduled to open by the end of the year. Construction is also continuing on a 35,000-seat stadium and a sports complex for Paralympic athletes. Particular attention is being paid to the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies in education, healthcare and public utilities.
The president issued a number of instructions aimed at further developing Shymkent and improving the quality of life for its residents.
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Kazakhstan Supplies One-Fifth of the Global Aerospace Titanium Market
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Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Sylvain Geler, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant (UKTMP), discussed the company's development, the implementation of investment projects, and efforts to strengthen Kazakhstan's position in the global titanium market, the government's press service said.
Particular attention was given to UKTMP's investment programme through 2033, which includes 25 projects with a total value of KZT 255.5 billion. Among them is the construction of a new titanium sponge production facility, which is expected to increase annual production capacity by 10,000 tonnes.
The programme also предусматривает the modernisation of gas-cleaning equipment, the introduction of a unified Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and the launch of an artificial intelligence-based platform for analysing production processes, energy consumption, and industrial safety.
The parties also discussed securing raw material supplies for the plant, expanding international cooperation, preserving export potential, and enhancing the competitiveness of Kazakhstan's titanium products in global markets.
UKTMP is among the world's largest vertically integrated titanium producers, operating a full production cycle from raw material extraction to finished products.
In 2025, the company sold approximately 12,000 tonnes of titanium worth KZT 87 billion. Production of titanium ingots and alloys is expected to increase by 7% this year.
The plant's products are used in the aerospace, petrochemical, and nuclear industries, as well as in medicine and shipbuilding. Kazakhstan accounts for around 20% of the global aerospace titanium market.
Among the company's customers and partners are major international corporations, including Boeing, Airbus, Safran, and Rolls-Royce.
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Kazakhstan to Invest Nearly $470 Million in Geological Exploration Between 2026 and 2028
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Kazakhstan will allocate approximately $470 million in state funding for geological exploration between 2026 and 2028, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said, noting that the planned investment is comparable to the total amount spent on the sector over the previous two decades.
According to Bektenov, geological exploration plays a crucial role in expanding the country's mineral resource base and creating conditions for future mining and processing projects with high added value.
Kazakhstan is implementing a large-scale programme for the geological study of its subsoil resources. Detailed geological mapping of the country's territory has already begun. The area covered by geological surveys is expected to exceed 2 million square kilometres. Under the President's instructions, the state alone will invest around $470 million in geological exploration during 2026-2028," Bektenov said.
He stressed that the strategic objective is not only to improve knowledge of the country's mineral resources, but also to build a modern geological industry based on digital technologies and international partnerships. According to the prime minister, new geological discoveries should serve as the foundation for future projects in mining and the production of higher-value-added goods.
Bektenov also highlighted the importance of digitalisation within the sector. He noted that the introduction of artificial intelligence and big data analytics is becoming a key driver of development for the mining and metallurgical industry.
Kazakhstan currently operates a unified subsoil use platform through which 22 government services are provided. Licensing procedures and the monitoring of subsoil users' obligations have also been automated, while more than 4.6 million units of geological information have already been digitised.
The next stage should be the integration of artificial intelligence technologies into geological exploration, data analysis, and production management processes. This will improve the efficiency of developing the country's mineral resource base, accelerate the discovery of new deposits, and enhance the quality of decision-making," Bektenov said.
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Kazakhstan Increases Grain and Flour Exports to 12.2 Million Tonnes
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Kazakhstan exported 12.2 million tonnes of grain and flour in grain equivalent between September 2025 and May 2026, a 13% increase compared with the same period of the previous marketing season, the Ministry of Agriculture said, citing data from the national railway operator Kazakhstan Temir Zholy.
The growth in exports was driven primarily by Kazakhstan's traditional markets in Central Asia and Afghanistan. Exports to Uzbekistan rose by 38%, increasing from 3.6 million tonnes to 5 million tonnes. Shipments to Kyrgyzstan grew by 50%, from 312,000 tonnes to 474,000 tonnes, while exports to Afghanistan surged by 58%, rising from 1.3 million tonnes to 2 million tonnes.
Exports to Turkmenistan reached 197,000 tonnes, up 44% from 137,000 tonnes during the corresponding period a year earlier.
The Ministry of Agriculture said the positive trend in freight transportation reflects strong demand for Kazakh agricultural products and the stable operation of logistics corridors serving southern export routes.
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