One of the World’s Largest Islamic Banks Explores Investment Opportunities in Kazakhstan

A meeting was held in Astana between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov and the His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia David Reed MBE, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The discussion focused on prospects for further strengthening Kazakh-British trade, economic and investment partnership, as well as priority items on the agenda of the upcoming meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission.

Positive dynamics in bilateral trade and significant potential for its further growth were noted. In this context, it was emphasized that Kazakhstan is the United Kingdom’s largest trading partner in Central Asia: of nearly GBP 5 billion in UK trade with the countries of the region, around GBP 2.7 billion accounts for Kazakhstan.

Particular attention was paid to the development of investment cooperation in critical minerals, energy, infrastructure, transport and logistics, financial services, digitalization, artificial intelligence and education. The potential for cooperation in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route was also highlighted, taking into account Kazakhstan’s strategic location and its role in ensuring resilient supply chains between Europe and Asia.

The meeting also addressed opportunities to attract British expertise and financial instruments for the implementation of infrastructure, energy and industrial projects in Kazakhstan. In this context, the ratified Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was noted as creating a favorable framework for advancing concrete mutually beneficial projects, expanding institutional engagement and ensuring the practical implementation of agreements across key areas of the bilateral agenda.

Humanitarian and educational cooperation was also noted to be gaining momentum, including through the expanding presence of British universities in Kazakhstan. Education, skills development and the advancement of the innovation ecosystem were highlighted as important elements of long-term economic partnership.

Following the meeting, readiness was reaffirmed to further deepen the Kazakh-British strategic partnership, expand mutual trade and ensure the practical implementation of the agreements reached.

 

Kazakhstan became the first country among Central Asian and South Caucasus states to organize an investment roundtable titled "Strategic Sectors and U.S. Market Entry Opportunities" at one of the U.S. Government’s premier investment forums, the SelectUSA Investment Summit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The event’s central focus was on promoting opportunities for Kazakhstan’s companies to enter the U.S. market and on attracting investment into the American economy. For the first time, Kazakhstan’s business community was represented by a large-scale delegation, demonstrating a strong level of interest in expanding its presence in the United States.

The roundtable was organized by Central Asia Strategic Advisory (CASA) and QazTrade in coordination with the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the United States, with the support of strategic partner Freedom Holding Corp.

The event brought together more than 120 representatives of government institutions, investment circles, and the business community of the United States, reflecting growing interest in strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United States Magzhan Ilyassov noted that an increasing number of Kazakh companies are already entering the U.S. market or planning to do so in the near future. He emphasized that Kazakhstan is developing a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, innovative agriculture, healthcare, and the food industry, and that Kazakh businesses are demonstrating strong competitiveness in the U.S. market.

According to the Kazakh Ambassador, the roundtable provided an additional platform for establishing business contacts, discussing specific investment projects, and identifying new avenues for cooperation.

U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Julie Stufft, who led a delegation of Kazakh business representatives, highlighted the significant investment potential of the U.S. market, noting its scale, technological diversity, and access to resources.

During the roundtable, representatives of Kazakh companies already operating in the United States shared practical experience in international expansion, engagement with investors, and adaptation to the requirements of the U.S. business environment. In particular, leading Kazakh companies, including Freedom Holding Corp., 1Thirty Holding, Eurasia Group Kazakhstan, Hero’s Journey, and Call2Action, delivered presentations during the session.

 

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov reported at the Government session on the progress of spring field works and measures to provide agricultural producers with necessary resources, primeminister.kz reports.

In particular, he noted that since the beginning of the year, the issue of high-quality and timely spring field works has been under special control of the Ministry, and all problematic issues are being considered at meetings of the Operational Headquarters.

According to the Deputy Minister, the structure of sown areas has been formed jointly with the akimats. The total area amounts to 23.8 million hectares, which is 180 thousand hectares more than last year. Priority is given to high-margin crops: areas under oilseeds will exceed 4 million hectares, and under fodder crops — 3.3 million hectares. To provide raw materials for corn processing projects, corn sowing areas will be expanded to 265 thousand hectares. To saturate the domestic market, potato planting areas in organized farms will be increased by 10 thousand hectares. Azat Sultanov emphasized that this structure will fully meet domestic needs and reduce risks associated with price fluctuations.

Work on diversification continues: grain areas have been reduced by 127 thousand hectares. In order to reduce the burden on water resources, rice and cotton areas are being optimized. For the first time, the structure of sown areas has been approved in accordance with the actual water limit: rice area has been reduced by 20.2 thousand hectares, while areas under cotton with drip irrigation have been increased by 29.8 thousand hectares, with a reduction in traditional irrigation methods by 12 thousand hectares.

The Deputy Minister informed that sowing has already begun in almost all regions. More than 2 million hectares have been sown, including grains, oilseeds, fodder, vegetable and melon crops, and potatoes. The condition of 94% of winter crops is assessed as optimal.

He also reported on the development of a digital platform for monitoring the progress of the campaign, which is currently operating in pilot mode. In the future, it is planned to introduce elements of artificial intelligence for process forecasting.

Regarding technical equipment, Azat Sultanov noted that agricultural machinery is fully ready. Last year, the fleet renewal rate reached 6.5%, with a target of 8% this year. State support measures are focused on domestic producers: the reimbursement share for the purchase of Kazakhstani machinery is 30%. Thanks to this, agricultural machinery production grew by 22% over the year, and such global brands as Claas and John Deere entered the market. 402 thousand tons of preferential diesel fuel have been allocated for the works, more than half of which has already been shipped.

Regarding seed material, the Vice Minister noted that the demand for 2.3 million tons has been fully met. From this year, a new mechanism for subsidizing seeds with priority for domestic entities has come into force. At the same time, he reminded that seed testing at the expense of the state has been cancelled — farmers must now conduct it at their own expense.

On mineral fertilizers, it was reported that 2.3 million tons are planned to be applied this year. As of now, 1.1 million tons have been shipped. Despite the rise in world prices, fertilizer prices on the domestic market were fixed at the beginning of the year.

In addition, early preparation for the harvest is underway. From April, applications for preferential financing for the construction and modernization of elevators have begun. With full financing, storage capacity is planned to be expanded by 1 million tons.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that akimats must keep under control the readiness of machinery, timely shipment of fuel and lubricants, seed examination, and contracting for fertilizer supply in order to complete sowing within optimal agrotechnical deadlines.

 

A roundtable discussion on "Kazakhstan's Investment Opportunities for Korean Business" was held in Seoul, as part of the visit of the Kazakh delegation, led by Gabidulla Ospankulov, Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The event brought together representatives of government agencies, national companies, financial institutions, and business communities from both countries. Approximately 50 leading Korean companies representing the energy, industrial, infrastructure, financial, and technology sectors participated in the discussions.

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Korea, Asset Issenali emphasized the progressive development of the Kazakh-Korean strategic partnership and the growing interest of South Korean businesses in the Kazakh economy.

Gabidulla Ospankulov, Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan detailed the Kazakhstan's competitive advantages as the largest economy in Central Asia, an important transport and logistics hub, and a reliable platform for long-term investment projects.

Korean partners were presented with promising areas of cooperation in energy, mechanical engineering, agro-industrial complex, transport infrastructure, logistics, and digital technologies. Particular emphasis was placed on the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), which is increasingly important as a key transit route between Asia and Europe.

Participants focused on the opportunities offered by Kazakhstan's special economic and industrial zones, current government support measures for investors, and project support mechanisms based on the "one-stop shop" principle. Presentations were also given by representatives of the Aktobe Region Akimat, Baiterek National Investment Holding JSC, Samruk-Kazyna JSC, KAZAKH INVEST National Company JSC, KEGOC JSC, QazaqGaz National Company JSC, Almaty Invest, and the Korkyt Ata SEZ Management Company. The presentations focused on infrastructure initiatives, production localization projects, and prospects for jointly implementing high-tech manufacturing projects with Korean capital.

The Alatau City project was presented separately during the event. The Kazakh side highlighted opportunities for attracting advanced Korean technologies and investment to develop modern urban infrastructure and the industrial and innovative potential of the new growth center.

It was noted that the project is being implemented in accordance with the adopted Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the Special Legal Regime of Alatau City," which provides special conditions for doing business, simplified administrative procedures, and a stable and predictable regulatory environment for foreign investors. Representatives from KIND, Korea Eximbank, Doosan Energy, KNOC, Shinhan Securities, BNK Financial Group, and other leading South Korean corporations and financial institutions participated in the discussions.

A number of bilateral meetings with current and potential investors took place on the sidelines of the roundtable. The parties discussed specific projects, prospects for expanding industrial cooperation, and new areas of collaboration.

 

During the visit to the south of Israel, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Israel, Daulet Yemberdiyev, met with several leading innovation and infrastructure companies in the city of Eilat and the region, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the visit to the National Center for Mariculture, the Ambassador was informed with innovative technologies for farming fish and algae, as well as the center's research and development initiatives and the prospects for cooperation with the Kazakhstani partners.

A visit to the Port of Eilat and a meeting with its CEO, Gideon Golbar, provided an opportunity to assess the potential of this key regional enterprise in terms of cooperation prospects and the development of alternative routes to expand trade between Kazakhstan and Israel.

Great interest was also shown during visits to two innovative companies, Airengy and Advance IP Ltd, which promote alternative technologies in the fields of energy and high-tech agriculture.

 

The Kazakh Transport Ministry, concerned state bodies, transport operators and business community representatives held a meeting of the grain shipment operational headquarters, Qazinform News Agency reports.

The Transport Ministry reported a 15% increase in grain shipments in the first quarter of 2026, totaling 4.1 million tons.

The country’s grain exports reached 3.2 million tons, 18% up, while domestic shipments hit 0.9 million tons, 8% up.

According to the Ministry, shipments to Central Asian countries surged by 48% to stand at 2.1 million tons, including 1.5 million tons to Uzbekistan.

Grain shipments to and via Russia amounted to 512,000 tons. Grain exports to Afghanistan soared by 4.2 times up to 302,000 tons, while feed flour exports to China doubled, reaching 1 million tons.

Notably, Kazakhstan plans to launch new grain processing enterprises with a combined capacity of 5.8 million tons per year by 2028.

 

OPEC+ has agreed in principle to ‌raise oil output targets in June, two sources familiar with the group's thinking said on Saturday, but the increase will remain largely on paper as long as the U.S.-Iran war continues to disrupt Gulf oil supplies, reuters reports.

Seven OPEC+ countries have an agreement in principle to raise ​oil output targets by about 188,000 barrels per day in June, the third consecutive monthly increase, pressing ​on with plans despite the war and the departure of the United Arab Emirates from ⁠the group this week, the sources said ahead of a policy meeting on Sunday.

 

Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Moldova Almat Aidarbekov, held a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization of the Republic of Moldova, Eugen Osmochescu, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, the Ambassador informed about the measures being implemented by the leadership of Kazakhstan aimed at the country’s further socio-economic and political development. Particular attention was paid to the course of economic and political reforms of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as well as to issues related to attracting foreign investment and Kazakhstan’s commitment to its international obligations.

The Moldovan side, in turn, expressed its readiness to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation between the two states. In this context, the parties discussed the prospects for expanding bilateral trade, economic and investment cooperation.