The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan has taken a new step in its digital transformation agenda by signing an agreement with the Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance (DEC40), an international organization promoting cooperation in smart city development and the digital economy, on July 28, to advance collaboration in smart cities, artificial intelligence and regional innovation.  The partnership between… The post Kazakhstan’s...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – The Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which exports around 80% of Kazakh oil, has been shut down for a week following Ukrainian drone attacks on July 17 and 19. The recurrent attacks renew questions about the country’s energy security, export dependence and the growing challenge of preserving its balanced foreign policy. The tankers Asia and… The post What CPC Disruptions Reveal About Energy Security, Kaz...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan is facing increasing climate-related risks as temperatures rise at around twice the global average, putting growing pressure on public health systems and communities. Experts warn that more frequent and intense heatwaves require stronger adaptation measures, including a national Heat-Health Action Plan. According to Kazhydromet, 2025 was the warmest year in Kazakhstan’s recorded… The post ...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to significantly expand repairs of its aging energy and utilities infrastructure under a 13 trillion tenge (US$27.3 billion) national modernization program, with the government aiming to double the pace of network upgrades while increasing the use of domestic manufacturers, officials said at a July 28 government meeting. Launched at the end… The post How Kazakhstan Plans to Double In...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Political parties stepped up campaigning nationwide in the first week of Kazakhstan’s first elections to the Kurultai, the country’s new unicameral parliament. Since the campaign officially began July 23, parties have held tours, public forums, sporting events and meetings with voters to promote their platforms ahead of the Aug. 23 vote. Adilet launches… The post Parliamentary Election Campaign Rolls...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. At the Astana Mining and Metallurgy Congress in June, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said Kazakhstan wanted to become a regional hub for processing and higher-value manufacturing. That should force Ankara to revisit the mining memorandum signed in July 2025, which emphasised joint exploration and production. If bilateral co-operation ends at the mine mouth, it will… The post Türkiye and Kazakhstan Need Proces...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — For years, transport infrastructure in Eurasia was measured in kilometers of railway laid or highways built. Today, another question is becoming increasingly important: who is financing the region’s new transport geography? The latest update of the Eurasian Development Bank’s (EDB) Observatory of the Eurasian Transport Framework, released on July 23, offers an answer… The post Who Is Financing Eurasi...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan resumed crude oil exports through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) after the consortium restarted accepting oil from shippers and resumed loading operations at its marine terminal in Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, the Kazakh Energy Ministry announced on July 27. According to the ministry, tanker loading is currently underway at two… The post Kazakhstan Resumes CPC Oil Export...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — For President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, geography is becoming one of Kazakhstan’s greatest strategic advantages. Speaking at the XXII Kazakhstan-Russia Interregional Cooperation Forum on July 25 in Omsk, he said that the world’s longest continuous land border shared by Kazakhstan and Russia positions the two countries to play a leading role in shaping Eurasia’s transport… The post Kazakh President Bets ...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — Five rock-cut mosques in Kazakhstan’s western Mangystau Region have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking the country’s first addition to the prestigious register in more than two decades. The decision was adopted on July 25 during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, First… The post Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Rock Mosques Added to UNESCO Worl...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan signed regional and commercial agreements worth more than 80 billion tenge (US$146 million) on July 24 as the two countries advanced cooperation in trade, transport, industry and cross-border development during a series of meetings in Aktau. The agreements were concluded following the 23rd meeting of the Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan Joint Intergovernmental Commission… The post Kaza...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA –  After a busy working week, take time to recharge with live music, sporting action and memorable performances. From concerts and football matches to outdoor adventures, this weekend offers something for every taste. The Astana Times editorial team has selected events to enjoy with friends and family. Astana  Chamber Music Evening, July 25  Enjoy… The post Weekend Picks for Music Lovers, Sports Fans a...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest features Kazakhstan’s AI ambitions, ties with Belgium, preparations for the Kurultai elections, and the Middle Corridor. How China is aiding Kazakh efforts to become hyper modern The Diplomat published an article on July 21 about Kazakhstan’s… The post News Digest: Foreign Media on K...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev is participating in the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states in Cholpon-Ata, the Kyrgyz Republic, on July 24. The meeting is focused on preparations for the upcoming SCO Council of Heads of State Summit, while… The post Kazakh Foreign Minister Joins SCO Talks Ahead ...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s government has allocated 10.4 billion tenge (US$22.3 million) to begin developing the KazSat-3R communications satellite, which will replace the existing KazSat-3 spacecraft and ensure the uninterrupted operation of the country’s national satellite communications system. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov signed the corresponding resolution as part of the implementation of President Kassym-J...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Central Asia’s foreign direct investment (FDI) stock rose 3.6% to $235.5 billion in 2025, with Kazakhstan retaining roughly two thirds of the region’s total, according to the latest World Investment Report released by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).  Kazakhstan accounted for nearly 66% of Central Asia’s total, solidifying its position as the region’s… The post Kazakhstan Dominates Central Asia’s F...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s ice cream production more than doubled in June compared to the same month last year, reaching nearly 20,100 tons, according to new data released by the Bureau of National Statistics. The surge comes as the country’s dairy industry continues to expand, with ice cream among the fastest-growing product categories in the first… The post Kazakhstan Reports Record Ice Cream Production in June ...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan is accelerating restoration of the North Aral Sea while advancing large-scale water management reforms, including new reservoirs, irrigation modernization, water-saving technologies and industrial water reuse.   North Aral restoration During a working visit to the Kyzylorda Region, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov met with fishermen in the Aral district to… Th...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. Kazakhstan’s largest Chinese business round in years put data, computing and digital logistics at the center. The measure of it will be deployment.  President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s working visit to Shanghai on July 16-17  produced a familiar number and a new emphasis. Kazakhstan and China signed more than 70 commercial documents worth over $15 billion, covering… The post Shanghai and Technology Turn in Kaza...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has begun reviewing Kazakhstan’s nomination of the Rock Mosques of Mangystau and Associated Sacred Sites for inscription on the World Heritage List during its 48th session in Busan, South Korea. The 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee opened on July 19 in Busan and will run… The post UNESCO Committee Reviews Kazakhstan’s Bid to List Mangystau Rock M...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Twenty years after the first Kazakh crude reached China, the Atasu-Alashankou pipeline has evolved from an infrastructure project into one of Eurasia’s most strategically important energy corridors. More than a transportation route, the pipeline has strengthened economic ties between neighboring Kazakhstan and China while providing an alternative export corridor at a time of… The post Kazakhstan-Chin...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan continues to operate one of the world’s most affordable toll road systems, with passenger vehicles paying an average of 207 tenge (US$0,44) per 100 kilometers on Category I highways, the country’s highest-standard roads, using prepaid accounts. According to national road operator KazAvtoZhol’s release from July 28, comparable toll roads in China, France,… The post Can Kazakhstan Balance Ch...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan Housing Company (KHC), a subsidiary of the Baiterek national management holding, has launched the beta version of KHC. Analytics, a platform designed to provide comprehensive data on Kazakhstan’s housing market and the shared-equity construction sector. Centralized housing market data The platform consolidates housing market information into interactive dashboards, offering data that the… ...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — International agreements are often measured by the ceremony surrounding their signing. Their real value, however, is measured years later: by investments made, businesses launched and partnerships that would not have happened otherwise. The entry into force this July of the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (SPCA) between the United Kingdom (UK) and Kazakhstan… The post UK-Kazakhstan Pa...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – As oil production temporarily softens, Kazakhstan is increasingly relying on construction, manufacturing, transport, trade and agriculture to maintain economic momentum. Government officials argue that strengthening these sectors will not only offset weaker hydrocarbon output in the short term but also lay the foundation for more diversified and resilient long-term growth. The strategy was… The post ...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — People in Kazakhstan consumed an average of 1.5 kilograms of sugar per person per month in 2025, a level that has barely changed since 2023, according to the Bureau of National Statistics. But while household consumption has remained stable, domestic production has fallen sharply, leaving imports to supply most of the market.  Average… The post Sugar Consumption in Kazakhstan: Matter of Diet, Trade a...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. The Astana Times continues its weekly roundup of key developments in campaigning for Kazakhstan’s Kurultai elections scheduled for Aug. 23. This edition highlights candidates’ policy proposals.  ASTANA – With campaigning underway for Kazakhstan’s Kurultai elections, seven political parties have unveiled programs outlining their priorities for the next parliamentary term. While their agendas overlap on issues…...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. Less than two years after independence, Kazakhstan made a bet that education could not wait for the economy and institutions to catch up, it would have to lead them. On Nov. 5, 1993, the government established the Bolashak International Scholarship, sending promising young citizens to top universities abroad to become specialists in a fledgling state… The post Kazakhstan’s 30-Year Education Drive: From Flagsh...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — Archaeologists and regional authorities are advancing research and preservation projects at major sites across Kazakhstan. From Bronze Age settlements in Rudny to Golden Horde monuments and a Caspian trade hub, the work is expanding knowledge of the country’s archaeological heritage and supporting its long-term preservation.  Kostanai’s Bronze Age sites and monumental steppe designs… The post From Br...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – From soaring modern landmarks to centuries-old sanctuaries carved into rock, Kazakhstan’s mosques reflect the country’s rich spiritual heritage and architectural diversity. While modern mosques attract visitors with their monumental domes and soaring minarets, many of the country’s oldest mosques continue to captivate travelers with their unique construction techniques, legends and historical signifi...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is increasingly shifting from a platform centered on political dialogue and regional security toward one that places greater emphasis on economic resilience, trade connectivity and practical cooperation, as member states respond to growing geopolitical and supply-chain disruptions. That transformation was at the center of discussions during the July… The po...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – Kazakhstan continued to strengthen its position as Central Asia’s leading higher education hub as Almaty reached its highest-ever position in the QS Best Student Cities 2027 ranking and the country recorded another year of growth in international student enrollment.  Astana also improved its position, rising eight places to 119th, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s growing role… The post Kazakhstan Advances as...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry has opened accreditation on July 23 for foreign journalists planning to cover the election of deputies to the Kurultai of Kazakhstan, scheduled for Aug. 23. Under Kazakhstan’s legislation, foreign journalists may carry out professional activities in the country only if they hold a valid permanent or temporary accreditation issued by… The post Kazakhstan Opens Accreditati...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – Kazakhstan climbed three positions to 67th place among 169 countries in the 2026 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, while experts say the country’s long-term competitiveness will depend on strengthening resilience in an increasingly volatile global economy. Published by the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), the annual index evaluates countries’ progress… Th...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recognized the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Kazakhstan’s system for preparing Olympic delegations as a Best Practice and recommended it to other National Olympic Committees. The IOC highlighted Kazakhstan’s Athlete and Team Official Agreements (ATOA), developed by the NOC to complement the IOC’s standard Conditions of Participation… The post IOC Re...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – Kazakhstan to begin using the digital tenge in public procurement from August after completing the integration of the digital currency platform with the Finance Ministry’s information systems, reported the Prime Minister’s press service on July 22. The announcement followed a government meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik… The post Kazakhstan to Use Digital...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – Around half of all tickets for American rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, sold out on the first day of presales for his Aug. 14 concert in Almaty, organizers announced on July 22. The performance at Almaty’s Central Stadium is expected to become the largest music show ever staged in Central Asia… The post Ye’s Almaty Concert Sells Half of Available Tickets During Presales appeared first on The...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan will begin serial production of domestically branded buses under the Astana name in November, marking a major step in expanding the country’s automotive manufacturing, Astana Motors Chairman Nurlan Smagulov announced at a government meeting on July 21. The project is one of the company’s flagship initiatives aimed at broadening Kazakhstan’s lineup of… The post Kazakhstan to Launch Astana B...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Austria officially launched the Austrian-Kazakh Connectivity Platform at the Austrian Parliament on July 15 to strengthen bilateral cooperation in transport, logistics, infrastructure, energy and investment, reported the Kazakh Embassy in Austria. The platform aims to bring together government agencies, businesses and financial institutions from both countries to develop joint projects...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — Kazakhstan is set to expand its air connectivity with China as China Eastern Airlines plans to launch direct flights between Astana and Shanghai this autumn, while FlyArystan will open a new route between Almaty and Chongqing in September. Chair of the Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan’s Transport Ministry Saltanat Tompiyeva met with China… The post China Eastern Plans Direct Astana-Shanghai Fli...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – A tanker loading Kazakh oil at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) marine terminal was attacked by drones on July 30, causing a fire on board and suspending loading operations. No casualties or oil spill were reported. According to CPC, the tanker Nissos Sifnos under the flag of the Marshall Islands, carrying crude oil… The post Drone Attack on CPC Facility Threatens Critical Route for Kazakhstan’s...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – The Games of the Future will become another golden bridge of unity, friendship and solidarity among countries, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said as he opened the international tournament in Astana on July 29.  The tournament brings together more than 800 participants representing over 50 nationalities. They will compete through Aug. 9 across eight disciplines… The post From Screens to Stadiums: Ga...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan is undertaking one of its largest energy infrastructure upgrades to address a key challenge: maintaining affordable electricity while ensuring a reliable supply for a growing economy. Through the National Project on Modernization of the Energy and Utilities Sectors, the country plans to expand generation capacity, upgrade aging networks and digitalize energy management.… The post Kazakhsta...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – Kazakhstan plans to establish another international technology hub dedicated to artificial intelligence and startup development, expanding its network of innovation platforms as the country seeks to position itself as a regional AI hub through global partnerships, talent development and private investment. The initiative was discussed during Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov’s July 27 meeting… The post ...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – Freight volumes on Kazakhstan’s rail network continued to grow in the first half of 2026, underscoring the country’s expanding role in regional trade. But as cargo flows accelerate, the focus is shifting from record volumes to whether rail infrastructure can keep pace with demand. Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) transported 157.1 million tons of… The post Kazakhstan’s Rail Freight Growth Puts Infrastruc...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Court launched audio and video versions of the new Constitution in both Kazakh and Russian on July 23 to improve access to legal information. A complete video version has also been published on the court’s official social media platforms. The initiative is designed to ensure broader and more equal access to… The post Digitalizing Constitution: Kazakhstan Expands Access to ...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s decision to become a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) marks a significant step in the country’s ambition to help shape global artificial intelligence governance while strengthening its position as an emerging regional AI hub. The agreement establishing WAICO was signed on July 16 during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s… The post Why K...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – For generations of Almaty residents, fountains have marked the rhythm of summer. They are meeting places, playgrounds, works of art and fragments of history hidden among the city’s trees.  Today, Almaty operates more than 120 fountains and fountain complexes, making it the undisputed fountain capital of Kazakhstan. Sixty-three belong to the municipality, while… The post Why Almaty’s Fountains Are Mor...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Russian President Vladimir Putin met ahead of the XXII Kazakhstan-Russia Interregional Cooperation Forum, focused on transport, logistics and regional economic ties, in Omsk on July 25. Their talks broadened the agenda beyond the forum’s economic focus to include the war in Ukraine, strategic partnership and cooperation on Kazakhstan’s first… The post Tokayev and P...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan is intensifying efforts to raise public awareness of organ donation and improve its transplant system as 4,739 patients, including 126 children, remain on the national transplant waiting list, with transplantation representing the only chance of survival for many of them. Documentary raises public awareness A documentary film, “4739,” produced by the Khabar… The post Kazakhstan Strengthens...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan ranked 53rd out of 150 countries in the May 2026 Special Edition of the Global Investment Risk and Resilience Index (GIRRI), improving from 70th place in the original 2025 ranking, as the updated index reflects the impact of recent geopolitical and economic developments on global investment risk. The updated ranking was released… The post Kazakhstan Rises to 53rd in Updated Global Investme...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – The National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) cut its base rate to 16.75% on July 24, citing nine consecutive months of slowing inflation, while Governor Timur Suleimenov said policymakers would continue to base future decisions on incoming economic data rather than follow a predetermined easing path. The NBK Monetary Policy Committee lowered the base… The post Kazakh National Bank Lowers Base Rate as Inflat...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – Election campaigning officially began in Kazakhstan at 6:01 p.m. on July 23 ahead of the Aug. 23 elections to the Kurultai, with seven political parties competing for 145 seats in the representative body. The campaign will run until midnight on Aug. 21, while Aug. 22 has been designated as the official day of… The post Election Campaigning Begins Ahead of Kazakhstan’s Kurultai Vote appeared first on ...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — Kazakhstan has temporarily reduced oil production following the suspension of loading operations at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) marine terminal in the Black Sea, the Energy Ministry said on July 23. Loading operations at the CPC marine terminal have been temporarily suspended to ensure the safety of vessels, crews and the environment in… The post Kazakhstan Temporarily Reduces Oil Productio...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry has announced on July 22 the composition of election commissions established at the country’s diplomatic missions abroad to organize voting in the elections of deputies to the Kurultai, scheduled for Aug. 23. A total of 82 overseas polling stations have been formed at Kazakh embassies, consulates and permanent missions across… The post Kazakhstan Forms 82 Overseas Pollin...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – The Central Asia Fintech Summit (CAFS) 2026 will take place in Almaty on Sept. 11, bringing together financial institutions, fintech companies, regulators, investors and technology leaders to discuss the future of digital finance in Central Asia. Organized by the National Payment Corporation of Kazakhstan and the National Bank of Kazakhstan, the summit will… The post Almaty to Host Central Asia Finte...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s dairy manufacturing output rose 11.9% in the first half of 2026. The growth is concentrated in cheese, butter and ice cream while production of processed liquid milk remained nearly unchanged, according to the latest release from the Bureau of National Statistics.  The value of manufactured dairy products reached 414.9 billion tenge (US$887.4… The post Kazakhstan’s Dairy Output Rises as ...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has released the competition schedule for the international Phygital Games of the Future 2026, scheduled for July 29-Aug. 9, bringing together athletes and gamers in competitions that combine physical and digital disciplines.  The tournament will open with the 3on3 Freestyle phygital basketball event on July 29, followed… The post Astana Unveils Competition...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to launch production of Li Auto, Omoda, and Jaecoo vehicles by 2028 as part of a broader effort to expand its automotive industry, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and introduce advanced technologies, Minister of Industry and Construction Yersayin Nagaspayev said at a July 21 government meeting. The initiative follows agreements reached during President… The post Kazakhstan to Prod...

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – As fertility rates continue to fall across much of the world, Kazakhstan is among the countries where births are still above the population replacement level. New data, however, indicate that the country is beginning to mirror the broader global demographic slowdown.  According to the United Nations, the global fertility rate has dropped from… The post Kazakhstan Holds Off Global Fertility Decline, F...