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 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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Tokayev: Kazakhstan Aims to Become Central Asia's Leading Agro-Industrial Hub
Kazakhstan intends to develop its agro-industrial sector through digitalisation, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during a roundtable meeting with representatives of the Chinese business community.
According to the head of state, natural resources alone are no longer sufficient for the development of agriculture, as data, artificial intelligence and digital technologies now play the decisive role.
We intend to develop Kazakhstan into Central Asia's leading agro-industrial hub. The shortest path to achieving this goal is the adoption of artificial intelligence, robotics and Industry 4.0 technologies," Tokayev said.
The president noted that Kazakhstan has harvested 27 million tonnes of grain for the second consecutive year. According to him, these record results were made possible by the use of modern technologies and effective management.
Tokayev said that more than 200 agro-industrial enterprises across the country are currently operating under the "smart farm" model, while over 650 additional farms are gradually introducing digital solutions.
He also said that Kazakhstan is developing a national digital agricultural product traceability system that will enable authorities to monitor the entire supply chain, from the field to the end consumer.
According to the president, the introduction of intelligent quality control systems, automated production lines and digital supply chains will help increase labour productivity and ensure compliance with international standards.
In addition, Kazakhstan is developing modern product storage infrastructure, including logistics centres, automated warehouses and refrigerated storage facilities.
Concluding his remarks, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev invited Chinese companies to participate in the implementation of these projects.
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Kazakhstan Plans to Build Three Waste Processing Plants with Chinese Investor
Kazakhstan is planning to launch a new project to build at least three municipal solid waste processing plants with the participation of Chinese company China Tianying Inc. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has instructed officials to complete negotiations with the investor and prepare the relevant investment agreement within two weeks.
Bektenov discussed the construction of municipal solid waste processing and waste-to-energy facilities with Cao Debiao, President of China Tianying Inc.
The meeting focused on the construction of small-scale plants in Kazakhstan with processing capacities ranging from 250 to 500 tonnes of waste per day. Such facilities are considered suitable for regions where municipal waste volumes do not justify the construction of large-scale processing complexes.
Cao Debiao said the company has been operating in the waste management sector for more than 20 years and has implemented projects in over 30 countries. Its facilities currently process around 4,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day, with plans to increase that figure to 7,000 tonnes in the future.
Municipal solid waste processing projects in Kazakhstan are currently being implemented through investment agreements. Waste-to-energy facilities are eligible for an electricity tariff of up to 55 tenge per kilowatt-hour.
Following the meeting, the prime minister instructed the Ministry of Ecology, together with other government agencies, to finalise negotiations with the investor and submit, within two weeks, an investment agreement providing for the construction of municipal solid waste processing plants in at least three major cities across the country.
Three waste-to-energy plants are already under construction in Almaty, Astana and Shymkent, with a total investment of 293.3 billion tenge. Once completed, the facilities will have a combined processing capacity of 4,500 tonnes of waste per day and generate 134 MW of electricity. The projects are expected to create more than 300 permanent jobs.
Similar projects are also under consideration in Aktobe, Atyrau, Karaganda, and other cities across Kazakhstan.
Trade turnover between Kazakhstan and China reached $48 billion last year, and the two countries intend to double bilateral trade. Kazakhstan and China have already implemented 77 joint projects worth a combined $13.3 billion, creating more than 21,600 jobs. The pipeline of prospective cooperation currently includes more than 269 additional initiatives.
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Freight Transport Between Kazakhstan and China Rises 9%
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Rail freight traffic between Kazakhstan and China reached 18.7 million tonnes in the first half of 2026, up 9% compared with the same period last year, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport said.
According to the railway administration, freight volumes increased in both directions. Between January and June, 7 million tonnes of cargo were transported from China to Kazakhstan, a 9% year-on-year increase. Shipments from Kazakhstan to China totalled 11.7 million tonnes, up 10% from the first half of 2025.
Exports to China reached 8.5 million tonnes, representing a 20% increase compared with a year earlier. The main export commodities included ore, compound feed, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, grain, crude oil, petroleum products, and other goods.
The growth in freight volumes was driven by the expansion of cross-border infrastructure, increased capacity at rail border crossings, and closer cooperation between the railway administrations of the two countries.
The Dostyk border crossing handled the largest share of traffic. During the first six months of the year, 10.6 million tonnes of freight passed through the crossing, an increase of 15% compared with the same period last year. Export volumes via Dostyk also rose 15%, reaching 5.4 million tonnes.
Meanwhile, Altynkol border crossing handled 8.1 million tonnes of freight in the first half of the year, up 2% year on year. Export shipments through the station increased 29% to 3.1 million tonnes.
Earlier, Kazakhstan and China announced plans to establish an intelligent transport corridor aimed at further enhancing cross-border logistics and transport connectivity.
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