Tokayev signs Kazakhstan-China agreement on mutual protection of investment

19.05.2026, 12:10 1811

Passenger Traffic of Kazakh Airlines Exceeds 4 Million in Four Months

At the Government session chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev reported on the ongoing work and prospective plans for the development of domestic civil aviation, primeminister.kz reports.

In 2025, Kazakh airlines carried 15 million passengers, while domestic airports served 32 million people. 173 thousand tons of cargo were also handled, which is 1.4% more than in the previous period. In the first four months of this year, the number of passengers carried has already exceeded 4 million. At the same time, a decrease in cargo transportation volumes was recorded while passenger traffic remained stable, influenced by the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.

The country has fully formed the main institutional framework necessary for the development of civil aviation. Kazakhstan currently demonstrates a high level of compliance with ICAO requirements: the aviation security level of airports is 95.7%, and airline security is assessed at 82%. These indicators have allowed the country to enter the top 20 countries in the world in terms of aviation security. To further strengthen these positions, the Aviation Accident Investigation Center has been established, international experts have been brought in to work at the Civil Aviation Authority, and the General Plan for the Development of the Industry until 2050 is planned to be adopted jointly with ICAO by the end of this year.

Special attention at the meeting was paid to the growth of transit flights, the volume of which has increased 4 times over the past 5 years. Today, transit forms the main part of revenue from air navigation services. To modernize the air traffic management system, a contract was signed in 2025 with the leading American corporation LEIDOS. Over the next 5 years, it is planned to completely upgrade air navigation infrastructure, which will significantly increase the efficiency of Kazakh air corridors.

To ensure regional connectivity, the state provides support for domestic air routes. In 2026, 6.4 billion tenge has been allocated for subsidizing 24 socially significant routes. In addition, stimulating tourist destinations will give an additional impetus to regional transportation. To systematically develop domestic air transportation, the Ministry proposes amendments to the legislation granting local executive bodies the right to subsidize interregional flights at their own expense, as well as exempting regular domestic flights from value-added tax.

At the same time, domestic and foreign airlines are working to expand the geography of international flights. In 2026, 4 new international routes have already been launched, and another 11 routes are planned to be opened or resumed by the end of the year.

The Minister also addressed the issues of fleet renewal amid a global shortage of aircraft, where the waiting period for orders ranges from 8 to 10 years. Last year, domestic carriers signed agreements with Boeing in the United States totaling $15 billion. In 2026, 3 aircraft have already been acquired, including two new Boeing aircraft received by SCAT airline. By the end of this year, the fleet of Kazakh airlines will be replenished with another 6 aircraft.

As part of the modernization of airport infrastructure, the Ministry is implementing a three-year plan covering not only major air hubs but also small regional airports. In fulfillment of the Head of State’s instruction, work is underway to build new airports in the tourist areas of Katon-Karagay, Zaysan, and Kenderli, as well as to restore the airport in Arkalyk.

The main work on the development of major air hubs is concentrated on 6 key airports of the republic, where infrastructure modernization is carried out mainly through attracting private investment. Thus, on May 14, during the visit of the President of the Republic of Türkiye, an investment agreement was signed for the modernization of Almaty International Airport.

To strengthen transit potential and integrate Kazakhstan into international logistics chains, the state is implementing a set of measures to support cargo aviation. A duty-free import regime for cargo aircraft has been introduced, runways are being modernized to accommodate heavy aircraft, and a specialized five-year plan for the development of the cargo segment has been approved.

The Minister noted that despite the rise in the cost of imported raw materials, the fuel price of the single operator KazMunayGas Aero remains at a competitive level of $1,200 per ton, and the company’s share in the domestic market has grown to 33%. Airlines have been granted the right to purchase directly from domestic refineries without paying import duties, which has allowed an increase in the number of transit flights by 16.3%. At the same time, there has been an increase in the transit passenger traffic of the national carrier Air Astana - in March this year, this indicator increased 2.5 times compared to the same period last year.

To stimulate small aviation in the country, the cost of certification has been reduced by 50%, the insurance system is being modernized, and the procedure for transitioning pilots from military to civil aviation is being simplified. In addition, separate rules for regulating tourist flights are being developed.

To address the personnel shortage (with the current number of employees at 23,000 and an annual need of 500 specialists), the Ministry is working on opening a certified training center together with a major foreign partner.

As part of the introduction of advanced technologies and the development of urban air taxis, domestic companies Allur and Alatau Advanced Group have begun the procedure for purchasing test unmanned aerial vehicles, and the construction of landing pads and an operations center has been launched. The relevant package of legislative amendments will be submitted to the Mazhilis of the Parliament by July 1 this year.

Nurlan Sauranbayev also reported on the digitalization of control and logistics processes. The introduction of the Q-Gate system at the airports of Astana and Almaty has already reduced control time from 3 minutes to 50 seconds. This year, another 16 similar terminals will be installed in Shymkent, Atyrau, Aktobe, and Aktau, after which a pilot project for the introduction of biometrics on the Astana-Shymkent flights will begin. In the cargo sector, the e-Freight information system is being implemented, reducing cargo handling time from 1 day to 1 hour.

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18.05.2026, 19:10 17511

Kazakhstan’s fixed capital investment rises 6.7%

Investment in fixed capital in Kazakhstan totaled 4.94 trillion tenge during January-April 2026, marking a 6.7% increase compared to the same period in 2025, Qazinform News Agency reports.

Investment activity, however, varied significantly across regions, with some posting sharp gains while others recorded noticeable declines.

The strongest growth was recorded in Ulytau region, where investment increased 2.5-fold. Significant growth was also observed in Turkistan region (+57.4%), Zhambyl region (+38.3%), Almaty region (+24.3%), Abai region (+19.4%), West Kazakhstan region (+17%), Pavlodar region (+13.8%), and Kyzylorda region (+10.1%).

At the same time, investment activity declined in Shymkent (-41.3%), Mangistau region (-29.8%), Zhetysu region (-26.5%), and Karaganda region (-13.6%). Meanwhile, the largest share of investments remained concentrated in Astana and Almaty, each accounting for 11.9% of the total, followed by Turkistan region (9.5%) and Atyrau region (8.3%).

Large and medium-sized enterprises continued to account for the bulk of investment activity, forming the backbone of the country’s investment base. Of the total volume, 58.7% was directed toward construction and major repairs, while 36.5% went to the purchase of equipment and vehicles. The remaining 4.8% was allocated to other expenses.

Enterprises’ own funds remained the primary source of financing, totaling 3.33 trillion tenge and accounting for 67.4% of overall investments. Budget financing amounted to 645.6 billion tenge, or 13.1% of the total, although its volume fell by 36.8% compared to the previous year. Bank loans contributed 6.8% of investments, while other borrowed funds accounted for 12.7%.

The sectoral breakdown shows that industry attracted nearly half of all investments at 43.8%, driven primarily by manufacturing and energy. Real estate activities accounted for 19.3%, transport and warehousing for 14.6%, and agriculture for 5.9%.

The strongest growth was recorded in electricity, gas, and steam supply, where investment more than doubled. Significant increases were also observed in the information and communications sector as well as accommodation and food services.

Meanwhile, the sharpest decline was recorded in education, where the physical volume index stood at just 27% of last year’s level.

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18.05.2026, 13:41 17771

Kazakhstan has coal reserves sufficient for over 300 years

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Kazakhstan’s coal industry continues to show steady growth, ensuring reliable domestic supply and expanding export potential, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Ministry of Energy.

In 2025, coal production in Kazakhstan reached 115 million tons, a 7% increase compared to 2024. Of this, 85 million tons were directed to domestic consumption and utilities, while exports totaled 30 million tons.

Key export destinations for Kazakh coal include Russia, Poland, Uzbekistan, Turkiye, India, and Malaysia, among others.

For 2026, production is planned at 128.9 million tons, with 40 subsoil users currently engaged in coal mining.

The Ministry of Energy is actively working to attract investment into the sector. In 2025, investments under contractual programs amounted to 305 billion tenge, with 553 billion tenge expected in 2026.

Special attention is given to geological exploration. By the end of this year, an auction will be held to grant subsoil use rights for coal deposits across 10 sites.

Kazakhstan ranks 10th globally in coal reserves, with total deposits estimated at 33.6 billion tons.

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18.05.2026, 09:25 18356

Kazakhstan’s Infrastructure Projects and Transport and Logistics Potential Presented in California

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The Port of Long Beach, California, hosted the USA–Eurasia Transportation Forum, organized by the Consulates General of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia in California, with the support of the Port of Long Beach administration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The forum brought together government officials, port authorities, business leaders, and transportation and logistics experts from the United States and Eurasian countries. The event aimed to advance trade and economic cooperation, exchange best practices, and develop new frameworks for collaboration in transportation infrastructure and freight.

The forum opened with welcoming remarks by the Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach, N.Hacegaba, who expressed support for the initiative and underscored the Port’s readiness to develop new partnerships with Eurasian counterparts. On behalf of the Mayor of Long Beach, Long Beach’s inaugural Protocol Officer, Beril Unver, delivered welcoming remarks and emphasized the importance of strengthening the city’s international ties.

The Kazakh delegation included Consul General of Kazakhstan in San Francisco Nazira Nurbayeva, representatives of the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan and Kuryk Port LLP, as well as Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in the State of Arizona Hugh Holman.

During the panel discussions, members of the Kazakhstani delegation presented the country's key infrastructure projects and transport-logistics potential. Highlighted initiatives included the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, the expansion of the ports of Aktau and Quryq as critical Caspian Sea hubs, and the integration of Kazakhstan's transport infrastructure into global supply chains.

Forum participants expressed mutual interest in deepening cooperation between American and Eurasian partners in port infrastructure, logistics digitalization, and the development of multimodal transport corridors.

The forum confirmed the strong interest of the American business community in the transport and logistics opportunities of Kazakhstan and the Eurasian region, and the readiness of both sides to move toward concrete, practical cooperation.

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16.05.2026, 14:38 50551

Kazakhstani companies to take part in Balkhash NPP construction

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Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Energy Agency Almassadam Satkaliyev met in Moscow with Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev, Qazinform News Agency reports.

According to the press service of Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Energy Agency, the sides discussed a wide range of cooperation issues in the development of the nuclear industry, including the implementation of the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant project in Kazakhstan.

Special attention was given to workforce training for the nuclear sector, the development of scientific and technical cooperation, as well as the localization of production and participation of Kazakhstani enterprises in nuclear projects.

We discussed issues related to localization and the involvement of Kazakhstani companies in the construction of this plant, personnel training, and the overall development of long-term cooperation. It is encouraging to note that we have reached a common understanding on all key issues. Basic approaches have been developed that fully meet the interests of our states and reflect the strategic nature of relations between our countries, Satkaliyev said.

The head of Rosatom stressed the importance of comprehensive preparations for the implementation of the Balkhash NPP project, including engineering and environmental-climatic studies of the site.

Almost the entire production program is being carried out. We need at least one year of site monitoring in order to prepare all the necessary reports and implement the project with full consideration of the natural, geological, and weather conditions of this specific location, stated Likhachev.

According to Likhachev, the Balkhash plant project will be developed with consideration of local site characteristics and will be based on Russian nuclear energy technologies.

The sides also reaffirmed their interest in continuing constructive dialogue and further developing cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

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15.05.2026, 17:10 61216

Kazakhstan and Kenya Intend to Deepen Bilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation

Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Kenya Barlybay Sadykov met with the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Kenya Lee Kinyanjui, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues on the bilateral agenda, plans for developing cooperation in trade, economic, and investment spheres, upcoming bilateral visits at various levels, and the development of a bilateral legal framework.

Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to strengthen cooperation across the entire spectrum of bilateral interaction, including in the areas of trade, the development of transit and transport routes including the use of the port of Mombasa, agriculture, as well as the organization of visits of business representatives and the creation of a business council.

The parties agreed to continue cooperation on issues of mutual interest, including within the framework of the established Working group on Trade and Investment.

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15.05.2026, 09:00 61531

Kazakhstan and France Intend to Strengthen Investment Cooperation

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to France, Gulsara Arystankulova, met with Co-Chairman of the Kazakhstan-France Business Council Guy Sidos and President of the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCE), Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Sophie Sidos, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The parties discussed the current state and prospects for the implementation of joint projects, emphasizing the importance of further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Particular attention was paid to expanding trade and investment cooperation, including the development of partnerships with French regions. In this context, the parties confirmed their interest in intensifying business contacts and deepening practical cooperation.

In the energy and environmental sectors, the parties welcomed the participation of French companies, including EDF, Orano, Veolia, SUEZ, and Hydroplus, in the Regional Environmental Summit held in Astana on April 22-24.

As part of the ongoing bilateral investment dialogue, the parties noted the participation of the Kazakh side in the upcoming Choose France Summit, which will take place on June 1 in France.

In addition, the parties discussed the schedule and substantive agenda of upcoming joint events in Kazakhstan and France.

Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to intensify efforts aimed at further strengthening the strategic partnership and attracting French companies to the implementation of projects in various sectors of Kazakhstan’s economy.

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14.05.2026, 16:10 83606

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

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The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the State of Kuwait Yerzhan Yelekeyev held a meeting with Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Hamad Al-Marzouq, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for the development of Kazakh-Kuwaiti cooperation in the investment, banking, trade and economic spheres.

Particular attention was paid to food security issues. The Ambassador of Kazakhstan highlighted the significant potential of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the agro-industrial sector, including meat production, emphasizing the country’s readiness to contribute to strengthening food security in the State of Kuwait and the wider region. In this context, the parties discussed opportunities for supplying Kazakh agricultural products to the Kuwaiti market, as well as implementing joint investment projects, including the establishment of agro-industrial and livestock farming facilities in Kazakhstan.

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan also informed the Kuwaiti side about the implementation of the Alatau City project in Kazakhstan - one of the country’s largest urban development initiatives, envisioned as a modern digital city of accelerated development with advanced innovation and investment infrastructure.

The Kuwaiti side expressed particular interest in expanding cooperation in the field of food security and stated its intention to explore opportunities for cooperation with Kazakh companies. In addition, representatives of Kuwait Finance House confirmed their interest in developing cooperation with Kazakhstan in the banking sector, including studying the procedures and requirements for obtaining a banking license in Kazakhstan.

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Tokayev signs Kazakhstan-China agreement on mutual protection of investment

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