Kazakhstan sows nearly 9 mln ha of crops
Images | Аkorda
According to operational data from regional akimats, spring fieldwork is continuing across Kazakhstan, with 8.9 million ha of agricultural crops sown so far, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Ministry of Agriculture.
Grain crops make up the largest share of the planted area at 5.5 million ha, followed by oilseed crops with 2.3 million ha and fodder crops with 642,000 ha. Other crops include cotton (166,000 ha), vegetables (102,000 ha), melons and gourds (77,000 ha), potatoes (93,000 ha), and sugar beet (22,000 ha).
The sowing campaign is progressing actively across Kazakhstan’s key grain-producing regions, with 2 million ha already planted in Akmola region and 1.3 million ha each in Kostanay and North Kazakhstan regions.
Strong progress is also being seen in Kazakhstan’s southern and southeastern regions, where spring fieldwork is nearing completion. Sowing operations have reached 98.1% in Zhambyl region, 97.5% in Zhetysu region, and 96.1% in Almaty region.
Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector is backed by a large fleet of machinery, including 133,900 tractors, around 5,600 high-performance seeding complexes, 71,400 seeders, and 188,500 tillage machines, while technical support for farmers is provided through a nationwide network of 70 service centers.
One of the key priorities in preparing and carrying out the sowing campaign remains ensuring access to mineral fertilizers for agricultural producers.
For 2026, the planned fertilizer application volume is set at 2.3 million tons. According to regional authorities, contracts have already been signed for the supply of 1.4 million tons, while 1.2 million tons have already been delivered.
To improve fertilizer affordability for farmers, regional budgets have allocated 56.3 billion tenge in 2026 for fertilizer subsidies.
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Zhambyl Region Showcases Investment Potential to Foreign Investors
A meeting of the Regional Investment Headquarters was held in Taraz, bringing together domestic and foreign investors, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Kuantyrov said the regional investment headquarters, established on the instruction of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, are intended to serve as platforms for the swift resolution of issues faced by investors. He noted that the government has set a target of expanding Kazakhstan's economy to $450 billion by 2029 while attracting at least $150 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI).
Kuantyrov said the region is shifting from implementing individual investment projects to developing entire industries, creating new value-added production chains and fostering deeper processing of raw materials and export-oriented manufacturing.
According to the Foreign Ministry, the Zhambyl Region's investment portfolio currently includes 116 projects worth a combined 5.6 trillion tenge, expected to create around 20,000 jobs. In the first half of 2026, investment in fixed capital in the region increased by 59.2% year on year. In 2025, Zhambyl ranked first among Kazakhstan's regions for the growth rate of foreign direct investment.
During his visit, Kuantyrov also toured several operating enterprises in the region, including the Taraz Industrial Zone, the Alel Agro poultry farm, and companies in the food processing and construction materials industries.
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Taraz Hosts Regional Investment Headquarters Meeting with Domestic and Foreign Investors
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov took part in a meeting of the Regional Investment Headquarters, attended by domestic and foreign investors.
Opening the meeting, A.Kuantyrov noted that regional investment council, as instructed by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, should become an effective platform for promptly resolving investor issues, including through "manual control." The government's strategic goal is to increase the national economy to $450 billion by 2029 and attract at least $150 billion in foreign direct investment.
We see that the region is actively transitioning from implementing individual investment projects to the systemic development of entire economic sectors. New production chains with high added value are being formed, conditions are being created for the deep processing of raw materials and the development of export-oriented industries," - noted Alibek Kuantyrov.
From 2023 to 2025, 56 investment projects totaling 241.5 billion tenge were commissioned in the region, creating approximately 2,000 jobs. Today, the region's investment portfolio includes 116 projects worth 5.6 trillion tenge, creating approximately 20,000 jobs - primarily in industry, agriculture, and energy.
As part of the trip, A. Kuantyrov also got acquainted with the work of existing enterprises in the region: Tazabek-Doszhan Farming Enterprise (production of tomato paste with a capacity of 3,000 tons per year), the Taraz Industrial Zone and the lime production plant of Aqtas Group LLP (48,000 tons per year), as well as the full-cycle poultry farm of Alel Agro JSC with a capacity of 70,000 tons of poultry meat per year, where 500 permanent jobs were created.
Issues raised by investors during visits to enterprises will be worked out jointly with interested government agencies.
The Zhambyl Region is demonstrating high rates of investment growth. By the end of the first half of 2026, fixed capital investment totaled 505.9 billion tenge, a 59.2% increase over the same period last year, compared to a target of 369.5 billion tenge. Private investment reached 473.5 billion tenge. By the end of 2025, the region had attracted $289.7 million in foreign direct investment, more than tripling its target, and ranked first among Kazakhstan's regions in terms of FDI growth.
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Trade Turnover Between Kazakhstan and Thailand Exceeds $110 Million
Trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Thailand exceeded $110 million, increasing by 76% during the first four months of 2026, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during a meeting with Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, according to the presidential press service, Akorda.
Tokayev said the figure could be significantly increased, primarily through expanded exports of agricultural products.
The president also proposed strengthening cooperation between the governments of the two countries to create more favourable conditions for businesses.
Tourism was identified as another promising area of bilateral cooperation. Thailand has traditionally been one of the most popular international destinations for Kazakh citizens. In 2025 alone, more than 150,000 Kazakhstanis visited the country.
For its part, Kazakhstan can also offer Thai visitors unique tourism opportunities, including winter holiday destinations.
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Kazakhstan to Ban Wheat Imports
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Kazakhstan's Ministry of Agriculture will introduce a temporary ban on wheat imports into the country.
Under an order issued by the ministry, the import of wheat into Kazakhstan from third countries and member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) will be prohibited for a period of six months by road, rail and water transport.
The restriction will not apply to wheat delivered by rail to poultry farms, grain processing enterprises, licensed grain elevators, or Food Contract Corporation JSC, the state-owned national grain operator.
The order is scheduled to enter into force on 27 July 2026.
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Kazakhstan-China Trade Reaches US$49 Billion
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Bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and China reached US$49 billion in 2025, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to the Akorda presidential press service.
More than 8,500 Chinese companies are now successfully operating in Kazakhstan. Major joint projects are being implemented across various sectors of the economy, including industry, energy, gas chemicals, mechanical engineering and agriculture," the statement said.
Tokayev noted that cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries continue to grow stronger each year.
Last year, Kazakhstan welcomed more than one million Chinese citizens. Cultural centres have opened in the capitals of both countries. Luban Workshops are operating successfully in Kazakhstan. This is further evidence of the friendship and mutual trust that have developed between our two peoples," the president said.
The head of state also highlighted the high level of cooperation between Kazakhstan and China on the international stage. He noted that the two countries share similar positions on global sustainable development and security issues. In particular, they maintain effective cooperation within the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), and the Central Asia-China format.
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Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry and the EBRD Strengthen Partnership on Climate and Investment Projects
First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev met with a delegation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) led by Felicity Spors, Director of the Climate Strategy and Delivery Department and Head of Sustainable Infrastructure.
The parties discussed the current state and future prospects of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EBRD, as well as the implementation of joint initiatives in sustainable development, green finance, the energy transition, transport and municipal infrastructure, digitalisation and private sector support.
Particular attention was paid to the establishment of Kazakhstan's National Investment Platform for a Just Energy Transition (QaJET), an initiative proposed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2023.
The two sides reviewed the next steps in developing the platform, which is being implemented with the support of the EBRD in cooperation with Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. Discussions focused on preparations for its official launch at the COP31 climate conference in Antalya this November, as well as efforts to attract international climate and investment financing.
Ashikbayev stressed that Kazakhstan attaches great importance to its strategic partnership with the EBRD and highly values the bank's contribution to the implementation of the country's economic reforms under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as well as its support for Kazakhstan's national climate agenda.
The first deputy foreign minister reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' readiness to provide comprehensive diplomatic support for promoting the QaJET platform, including strengthening cooperation with international financial institutions, partner countries, climate funds and other stakeholders.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthening their strategic partnership and continuing close cooperation on joint projects aimed at ensuring Kazakhstan's sustainable economic growth and achieving its climate goals.
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Austrian Berglandmilch and Greek Desserta Hellas Consider Localising Dairy Production in Kazakhstan
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov held a meeting with representatives of the Austrian dairy cooperative Berglandmilch and the Greek company Desserta Hellas. Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Greece Timur Sultangozhin also attended the meeting.
The parties discussed prospects for establishing dairy production in Kazakhstan. The project is being developed within the framework of the Kazakhstan-Greece bilateral investment agenda. Various implementation models are under consideration, ranging from the establishment of proprietary production facilities and a joint venture with Kazakh partners to a phased transition from distribution to local manufacturing. Particular attention was paid to the localisation of milk processing, the development of cheese and yoghurt production, improvements to milk collection systems and cold-chain logistics, as well as technology transfer and the introduction of European quality standards.
Kazakhstan attaches priority importance to the development of the agro-industrial sector, food security and modern food processing. We see significant opportunities for cooperation with experienced European partners such as Berglandmilch and Desserta Hellas. Our country can serve not only as a market, but also as a production and export platform providing access to the markets of Central Asia, the Eurasian Economic Union and China," Alibek Kuantyrov noted.
As part of the visit, organised with the support of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Greece and KAZAKH INVEST NC JSC, the delegation also held meetings with Aidarbek Saparov, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, representatives of Baiterek Holding, the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs and the QAZAQ SUT Republican Chamber of Dairy and Dual-Purpose Cattle Breeds. The delegation also visited the facilities of Astana Onim JSC in the Akmola Region.
The investors were presented with the project support arrangements available under the one-stop-shop mechanism, including state support measures, potential project locations and prospective local partners. KAZAKH INVEST stands ready to support the project throughout all stages of its implementation.
Berglandmilch is Austria’s largest dairy cooperative, bringing together approximately 11,000 farming enterprises, processing around 1.3 billion litres of milk annually and exporting its products to 50 countries.
Desserta Hellas is the cooperative’s exclusive partner in Greece, Cyprus and the Balkans and has been developing its own cheese production operations since 2024.
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Kazakhstan and Huawei Expand Technological Partnership
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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with executives of China's leading high-tech companies during a roundtable discussion, where he highlighted the contribution of Chinese businesses to the modernisation of Kazakhstan's economy. Among the major companies successfully operating in the country, the president singled out Huawei, noting that joint projects are helping introduce advanced technologies, create jobs and strengthen industrial cooperation.
Digital technologies are becoming the foundation of sustainable economic development, the president said. Modern network and computing infrastructure enhances the reliability of enterprises, accelerates data exchange and expands access to digital services. For key industries, it also creates conditions for more efficient management, technological modernisation and workforce development.
During the roundtable, Huawei signed a number of agreements with Kazakh partners aimed at expanding technological cooperation and implementing joint digitalisation initiatives.
The development of modern digital infrastructure is of strategic importance for the economy and the quality of life of our citizens. Our priorities include ensuring equal access to technology, enhancing infrastructure resilience and accelerating the digital transformation of key industries. The implementation of such initiatives creates a solid foundation for Kazakhstan's long-term development," said Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.
The new agreements build on Huawei's longstanding cooperation with Kazakhstan and provide a framework for further joint initiatives in telecommunications, computing infrastructure, the digital transformation of key industries and human capital development.
For nearly 30 years, Huawei has contributed to the development of Kazakhstan's digital infrastructure. The next stage of our cooperation will focus on strengthening network and computing capabilities, introducing digital solutions across key sectors and training local specialists. More than 200,000 Kazakh students have already completed training under the AI Sana programme. We intend to continue investing in the development of digital skills in the country," said Wang Jianfeng, Member of the Supervisory Board and President of the Public Affairs and Corporate Communications Department at Huawei Technologies.
The signed agreements strengthen the long-term partnership and create new opportunities for joint technological initiatives. Huawei said it will continue supporting the development of modern infrastructure, sector-wide digitalisation and specialist training in Kazakhstan.
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