Kazakhstan has continued to pursue a strategy aimed at strengthening its international standing, advancing the digital economy and modernising state institutions. During the period under review, key priorities included foreign policy initiatives, the introduction of new financial instruments, the expansion of international cooperation and investment diplomacy. At the same time, the government maintained its focus on improving social infrastructure and developing human capital.
Politics: Expanding International Influence Through Institutions and Diplomacy
The most significant political development was the completion of the legal framework for the United Nations Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan. On 17 June, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed laws ratifying the agreement between Kazakhstan and the UN, as well as the memorandum governing the centre’s activities.
The new institution will work with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. The decision strengthens Kazakhstan’s position as one of Central Asia’s key international platforms and reflects Astana’s ambition to play a more prominent role in regional cooperation.
Diplomatic activity also remained high. Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev took part in a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Council of Foreign Ministers. At the same time, Kazakhstan continued engagement with China, Canada, the European Union and the Republic of Korea. Kazakhstan and the EU advanced to the next stage of negotiations on visa facilitation and readmission arrangements.
Notably, foreign policy is becoming increasingly focused on practical objectives, including attracting investment, expanding trade, developing transport corridors and strengthening technological cooperation. Economic diplomacy is emerging as one of the government’s principal policy instruments.
Economy: Digital Infrastructure and International Cooperation
The key economic development was the announcement that a unified interbank QR payment system will be launched on 19 July. The new infrastructure will enable customers of different banks to pay for goods and services using a single QR code, regardless of their banking provider.
The launch marks another milestone in the digitalisation of Kazakhstan’s financial sector. The process has been further reinforced by the legislative framework for the digital assets industry, which came into effect on 1 May.
International economic cooperation also continued to expand. Trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Thailand reached $255.1 million in 2025. The two sides discussed prospects for cooperation in food security, digital technologies, logistics and the implementation of joint projects in third-country markets, including African states.
Another important development for the scientific and technological sector was the confirmation that Almaty will host the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International Conference on Research Reactors in 2028. The event is expected to bring together around 400 scientists and experts from across the world. Plans were also announced to extend the operational lifespan of the WWR-K research reactor until at least 2040.
Society: Investing in Human Capital
The social agenda remained focused on education, science and human capital development. President Tokayev supported the decision to grant Astana Medical University national university status. The institution will also be named after the distinguished scientist Toregeldy Sharmanov, underlining the government’s commitment to advancing medical science and specialist training.
The government’s decision to award state bonuses to medallists of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games also attracted considerable public attention. Olympic champion Mikhail Shaidorov is set to receive $250,000, while financial rewards will also be provided to Nadezhda Morozova, who finished among the top six athletes at the Games.
These decisions reflect a broader strategy centred on human capital development. Education, science, healthcare and sport are increasingly viewed as key drivers of the country’s long-term competitiveness.
Analysis and Conclusion
The defining trend of the period has been the strengthening of an institutional approach to national development. The establishment of the UN Regional Centre, the expansion of economic diplomacy, the launch of a unified QR payment system and support for scientific and educational initiatives all form part of a broader modernisation strategy.
Kazakhstan is reinforcing its role as a regional hub for international cooperation while simultaneously promoting economic digitalisation and human capital development. Increasingly, the country’s international engagement is directed towards practical objectives, including attracting investment, expanding trade and fostering technological partnerships.
As a result, diplomacy, digital transformation and investment in education and science are gradually converging into a single development model. The principal challenge remains the ability of state institutions to ensure the effective implementation of these initiatives and to translate institutional reforms into sustainable economic and social outcomes.
