The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) showcased new cross-border financing opportunities, including the expansion of yuan-denominated panda bonds, at a business forum in Shanghai.

Bank lending in Kazakhstan has more than doubled since 2022, reaching over 43.4 trillion tenge (US$92 billion) by April 2026. This data, reported by the National Bank, indicates a continuing credit boom in the country.

Kazakhstan's energy ministry announced that crude oil exports to Germany will now be rerouted through the Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga and a joint Russian-Kazakh oil pipeline, following a suspension of the previous Russian pipeline.

Kazakhstan is rapidly expanding the integration of artificial intelligence into critical sectors such as healthcare, transport, and energy, with initial results demonstrating measurable positive impacts.

A Korea Herald correspondent observed South Korea's limited presence at the Regional Ecological Summit Expo 2026 in Kazakhstan, an event highlighting major players in Central Asia's environmental technology market.

The United Arab Emirates has become one of the top five largest investors in Kazakhstan, with investments totaling nearly $1.64 billion, primarily directed towards renewable energy projects.

TotalEnergies, a global integrated energy company, has made a final investment decision on a $1.2 billion wind and battery energy storage project in Kazakhstan. The project aims to boost renewable energy capacity in the region.

Forty years after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, a report highlights the forgotten memory of over 30,000 Kazakhs who served as "liquidators" in the cleanup efforts, many of whom are now struggling with the long-term health consequences of radiation exposure.

Despite lacking formal statistical systems, the nomadic society of the Kazakh Khanate developed unique methods to estimate population size, focusing on approximate figures rather than precise counts.

Kazakhstan unveiled an investment platform on April 23 to drive a just energy transition, partnering with the EBRD as part of the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana.

Central Asian governments are introducing a new clean air initiative at the RES 2026 event, addressing the serious and growing challenge of air pollution in the region.

Central Asian nations are reportedly gaining an advantage as ongoing conflicts disrupt global energy markets and traditional trade routes.

The Caspian Sea has dropped by approximately two meters since the 1990s, highlighting significant environmental challenges for the region, as discussed by officials at a Tehran Convention dialogue in Astana.

Transit volumes along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) have tripled over the past five years, driven by Kazakhstan's ongoing investments in port infrastructure.

Senior officials and international experts convened at the Regional Ecological Summit in Central Asia to discuss climate solutions, emphasizing a shift from promises to actionable strategies.

An ambassador stated that diplomatic relations between Astana (Kazakhstan) and Beijing (China) have reached a new high.

Kazakhstan's lower house of Parliament has begun drafting a bill to ratify an agreement aimed at expanding access for Kazakh goods to the United Arab Emirates market.

A UN Under-Secretary-General delivered a warning on April 22, stating the world is far from achieving its 2030 goals and highlighting Central Asia's position on the climate front line.

The British Embassy in Astana organized a wildlife exhibition on April 21, aiming to raise awareness about Kazakhstan's rich biodiversity.

Scientists, including researchers from Nazarbayev University, are investigating whether the human body's aging process can be reversed at the cellular level to restore youthful function.

Astana has adopted a citywide concept of inclusive policy aimed at creating an accessible environment across nearly all areas of urban life, alongside an increase in social support funding.

Kazakhstan's volunteer program is being considered as a potential model for other countries in Central Asia.

Kazakhstan's national oil and gas company, KazMunayGas (KMG), has unveiled a large-scale geological exploration program for 2026-2030 to secure future energy supplies.

Kaspi.kz announced that Tencent, along with co-founder Mikheil Lomtadze and long-term institutional investors, has made an investment in the company.

Berik Aryn, IOFS Director, stated that despite sufficient global food production, gaps in distribution, infrastructure, and crisis response prevent food from reaching those in need.

The article details the long transformation and historical development of the Kazakh language's script, highlighting its significance as the nation's face to the world.

Kazakhstan's national oil and gas company, KazMunayGas (KMG), is progressing with the exploration of a significant hydrocarbon prospect on the Zhylyoi carbonate platform, estimated to hold 20 billion tons of potential reserves.

Kazakhstan plans to significantly increase its trade with Afghanistan to $3 billion in the coming years, up from the current $500 million annually, as part of a broader transit push.

A diverse lineup of events, including concerts, unique sounds, and art exhibitions, is scheduled for the weekend in Astana and Almaty, Kazakhstan. The Astana Times provides a guide to these cultural happenings.

Kazakhstan’s transport and storage sector expanded by 12.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026. However, the momentum of growth slowed across most segments, indicating a mixed performance.

Nineteen individuals in Kazakhstan have been sentenced for participating in a protest against repression in China's Xinjiang region.

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš held talks in Astana to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation between their countries.

Trade between Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic increased by 13% to $705 million in 2025 as the two countries work to deepen their economic relationship.

Kazakhstan is set to launch a new supercomputer and expand its data center infrastructure as part of efforts to support large-scale artificial intelligence development.

Kazakhstan has redirected 260,000 tonnes of oil to new export routes, diversifying its energy supply channels amidst evolving global market dynamics.

Central Asian nations, particularly Kazakhstan, are increasing their efforts to improve air quality as pollution levels rise, with Kazakhstan ranking 29th globally for air pollution in 2025 and PM2.5 levels nearly five times above WHO guidelines.

Countries involved in the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, plan to significantly increase container traffic, targeting 600 China-Kazakhstan container trains.

Kazakhstan and Türkiye have ratified a bilateral agreement to allow the transit of military cargo and personnel through each other's airspace, enhancing military cooperation.

Kazakh culture used ornaments as a form of communication and decoration, revealing much about nomadic life and their connection to nature.

Kazakhstan is set to host its inaugural international film festival dedicated to films created using artificial intelligence, the Astana AI Film Festival (AAIFF 2026), and has opened its global call for submissions.

Kazakhstan is set to host the Astana AI Film Festival this fall, marking another international event as the country focuses on creative technology.

A variety of cultural and entertainment events are set to bring the weekend to life, including a book fair, ballet performances, and football matches. Additionally, a selection of concerts offers music-filled experiences for attendees.

The National Bank of Kazakhstan has decided to keep its base rate at 18.0% per annum, citing easing inflation but persistent economic risks.

Farrukh Zakirov has been honored with Kazakhstan’s Dostyk Order II degree.

Kazakhstan's city of Almaty will host a new International Monetary Fund (IMF) Regional Capacity Development Center, serving Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Mongolia.

Kazakhstan is observing April 23 as National Book Day and Librarians’ Day, emphasizing the growing importance of reading culture and the modernization of library services.

Central Asian leaders, meeting at the Astana Summit, have declared March 26 as an International Day of the Aral Sea and its feeder rivers, the Amu Darya and Syr Darya, to raise global awareness and reinforce regional cooperation.

Zelimkhan Murtazov, a Chechen native facing potential prosecution in Russia for leaving military service, has successfully flown to Armenia after spending approximately four months in the transit zone of Astana International Airport in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan's President Tokayev stated that no single country can manage the climate crisis alone, emphasizing the need for international cooperation. This statement highlights the nation's stance on global environmental challenges.

Central Asian leaders gathered at the first-ever regional climate summit in Astana, where they called for climate justice and strengthened regional environmental governance. The summit highlighted the urgent need for climate solidarity to address the region's water crisis.

The Regional Ecological Summit 2026 has commenced in Astana, Kazakhstan, gathering global leaders to discuss environmental action. Kazakhstan aims for the summit to serve as a platform for developing real solutions to ecological challenges.

Air Astana Group is accelerating its international expansion plans for 2026, reporting a 65% increase in transit passenger traffic during the first quarter. The airline is also launching new routes as part of its growth strategy.

Kazakhstan's foreign trade in 2025 was a key driver of economic growth, but emerging imbalances indicate rising structural risks.

Kazakh mining company ENRC is suing the UK's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) for over $168 million in compensation, alleging a botched investigation that concluded in 2023.

Kazakhstan has streamlined its visa, entry, and work permit procedures to draw in foreign investors, skilled professionals, and labor migrants, aiming to boost its economy and attract international talent.

This article explores the philosophical idea that technological progress is not a straight, flawless line, but rather an imperfect process, and that this imperfection is what makes it inherently human.

The Antalya Diplomacy Forum emphasized the increasing integration among Turkic states and the strengthening strategic partnership between Türkiye and Azerbaijan. Discussions at the forum highlighted these emerging geopolitical trends.

Kazakhstan has confirmed a significant rebound in the snow leopard population in the Western Tien Shan region, with evidence of stable reproduction, marking a conservation milestone.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – Kazakhstan has ranked among the top 20 countries worldwide in aviation safety, with its safety compliance…

Major oil companies have reportedly lost another appeal concerning a substantial $5 billion fine related to sulfur emissions in Kazakhstan, solidifying the financial penalty.

Kazakhstan has achieved the 29th position globally in employment levels for 2025, with 67% of its population aged 15 and above engaged in work.

FlyArystan has canceled flights on the Aktau-Dubai-Aktau route through August 29, citing the unstable situation in the Middle East as the reason.

Gold wedding ring prices in Kazakhstan increased by 5.5% in March, marking a significant 45% year-on-year surge, with regional variations in price increases.

Yerbol Orynbayev, Kazakhstan's former deputy prime minister, made an allegation against the financial services group Jusan, describing it as a 'criminal enterprise' during the second day of a tribunal hearing in London.

Kazakhstan is marking the 120th anniversary of Ahmet Zhubanov, a renowned composer, conductor, musicologist, and scholar who significantly influenced the country's professional music scene.

Kazakhstan is preparing to implement a comprehensive "Digital Qazaqstan" strategy to guide its long-term vision for artificial intelligence and overall digital development.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Isaac Herzog held talks on March 27 during the Israeli president’s official…

TotalEnergies has announced its final investment decision for a $1.2 billion wind power project located in Kazakhstan, marking a significant step in its renewable energy expansion.

Sarsenbai Kotyrashov, a 76-year-old Kazakh traveler, was officially welcomed at UNESCO's headquarters in Paris, marking the completion of his multi-year journey on foot.

Kazakhstan and Qatar are exploring expanded cooperation in areas such as energy, gas processing, and transport logistics, including increased transit via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

A Chinese auto company is advancing new mobility solutions to reduce emissions and maintain economic growth in Central Asia, as discussed at a regional ecological event in Astana.

Kazakhstan and the Sultanate of Oman have strengthened their bilateral ties by signing a new investment cooperation agreement. The agreement outlines plans for expanding collaboration between the two nations.

Kazakhstan is strengthening its role as a Eurasian transport and logistics hub by expanding its railway network, modernizing digitally, and growing transit corridors.

Discussions have commenced regarding Kazakhstan's proposal for a new UN Water Organization, with initial talks taking place at RES 2026. This potential international body aims to address global water challenges and could offer significant benefits to water-stressed regions like Cyprus.

Experts warn that Central Asia is entering a critical phase in its climate change response, emphasizing that while governments understand the risks, effective action remains a significant challenge. The region faces the real test of translating awareness into concrete measures.

Kazakhstan is positioning its agricultural sector as a regional export engine, moving beyond self-sufficiency, as Central Asia confronts increasing food and water pressures.

The OSCE is collaborating with Kazakhstan and other Central Asian leaders in Astana to discuss challenges and foster a partnership for ecological resilience in the region.

Airbus is strengthening its presence in Greece with a new office in Athens, while also identifying Kazakhstan as a strategic market for expanding aviation and defense ties. This indicates Airbus's ongoing efforts to grow its international footprint.

Kazakhstan is seeing a significant increase in tourism driven by its diverse natural landscapes, shifting the focus of its tourism industry from cities to its alpine trails and desert plateaus.

A selection of rare Central Asian artworks will be featured in the Arts of the Islamic World and India sale, taking place in London from April 24.

Kazakhstan's capital, Astana, has begun construction on the first phase of a $180 million Energy Ecopark, a major investment project for municipal solid waste processing, in collaboration with a Chinese company.

The Regional Ecological Summit 2026, a significant platform for environmental challenges in Central Asia and the Caucasus, commenced in Astana, Kazakhstan, with the Kazakh president emphasizing the need for regional unity.

The Presidents of Kazakhstan and Mongolia held talks in Astana, aiming to increase bilateral trade to $500 million and resume direct flights between their countries.

Kazakhstan achieved its highest position to date, ranking 33rd in the World Happiness Report 2026, climbing 10 places compared to the previous year.

Kazakhstan and Afghanistan are strengthening their cooperation in the railway sector, driven by a significant surge in freight volumes between the two countries.

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have announced an expansion of their financial cooperation, aiming to foster stronger economic ties between the two Central Asian nations.

Rail freight traffic between Kazakhstan and China increased by 9.3% in early 2026, supported by expanded volumes.

The global uranium supply crunch is intensifying, exacerbated by Kazakhstan's announcement of plans to establish a strategic reserve, further highlighting the supply-demand imbalance in the market.

Damir Torebai, a 28-year-old jeweler from Aktau, Kazakhstan, is reinterpreting traditional Kazakh jewelry through contemporary designs.

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a message in Antalya, advocating for the 'The World Is Bigger Than Five' approach, suggesting a shift in global power dynamics.

Kazakhstan has initiated a crackdown on gray market phones, with Forbes suggesting it could serve as a blueprint for other nations, albeit with certain caveats.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has flagged increasing economic risks for Central Asia, citing global disruptions such as the war in the Middle East. The region's vulnerability to these external shocks is highlighted, even for oil-exporting nations.

Kazakhstan is strengthening its partnership with the United Kingdom, with plans to host branches of British universities and enhance cooperation in energy, trade, and technology, alongside ongoing visa talks.

Kazakhstan has halted several joint projects with Iran, including grain supplies and food trade, citing ongoing instability in the country. This decision reflects concerns over the current situation in Iran.

An article discusses the concept of 'Asar' in Kazakhstan, highlighting community-based volunteering and its role in Central Asia.