Silent Rise: Untapped M&A Potential for Kazakh Companies and Funds

Kazakhstan, the Central Asian giant, is slowly but surely establishing itself as a key player on the global economic scene. Traditionally considered a former Soviet republic, Kazakhstan...


Kazakhstan’s Digital Impact Grows as TikTok Trends Reach Global Audiences

ALMATY – Kazakhstan became one of TikTok’s standout phenomena in 2025, inspiring creators from Indonesia, South Korea, Mexico, the United States and beyond. Users worldwide launched a...


Ulytau: New Growth Point of Independent Kazakhstan

Over the years of independence, Kazakhstan has undergone a profound transformation in nature conservation — from restoring populations of rare species to significantly expanding its network of...


Kazakhstan, China to Build Smart Water Technology Plant in Taraz

ALMATY – Taraz will host a new high-tech plant for smart water management and irrigation systems, established under a cooperation agreement between the Kazakh Ministry of Water...


Beyond West: Why Eurasia Will Shape New Center of Global Economic Gravity

Editor’s Note: This interview features insights from Joep Konings, Dean of the Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Business and interim Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, whose work...


Kazakhstan to Expand Energy Capacity and Accelerate AI Integration in Utilities

ALMATY – Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov outlined Kazakhstan’s major achievements in the energy sector in 2025 and detailed upcoming reforms across oil and gas, electricity generation,...


President Congratulates Nation on Independence Day

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated the people of Kazakhstan on Independence Day on Dec. 16, emphasizing that the holiday reflects the nation’s voluntary and definitive choice...


From Independence to Influence: Kazakhstan at 34

Kazakhstan turns 34 this December. Not a milestone that demands fireworks. For a country, this is still a restless, sometimes awkward age: old enough to carry scars,...


KazAID Turns Five: Kazakhstan Strengthens Contribution to Global Sustainable Growth

ALMATY – The Kazakhstan Agency of International Development (KazAID) marks its fifth anniversary, underscoring the country’s evolution from a recipient of foreign aid to an emerging donor...


Kazakhstan, EU Expand Cooperation in Critical Minerals and Connectivity

ALMATY – The event marking the tenth anniversary of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Kazakhstan and the European Union was hosted on Dec. 12...


FC Kairat Goalkeeper Tops SofaScore Champions League Player Rankings

ALMATY – Almaty’s FC Kairat’s goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov has reached a new milestone in his breakout season, taking the number one spot in the UEFA Champions League...


Dimash Qudaibergen to Premiere Biggest Concert Ever with Global Icons in Budapest

ALMATY – Budapest will host a landmark musical event on April 18, 2026 at MVM Dome as Dimash Qudaibergen, Placido Domingo, and Hauser, will share a stage...


KazTransOil Increases Oil Supply to Kyrgyz Republic, Resumes Transit to Uzbekistan

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s national oil transporter KazTransOil, a subsidiary of national company KazMunayGas, announced an expansion of export routes with increased supplies to the Kyrgyz Republic and...


Kazakhstan’s SME Sector Reaches New Economic Milestones

ALMATY – Supporting small and medium-sized businesses remains one of Kazakhstan’s top priorities. As a result of sustained policy measures, Kazakhstan has seen consistent growth in the...


Kazakhstan Secures Six Medals, Finishes Second at IBA World Championships

ALMATY – Kazakhstan delivered a powerful performance at the 2025 IBA Boxing World Championships in Dubai on Dec. 4-13, securing second place in the overall medal standings...


President Tokayev to Pay Official Visit to Japan This Week

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will pay an official visit to Japan on Dec. 18-20, according to the Akorda press service. During the visit, Tokayev will hold...


Kazakhstan Releases First Textbook on Using Development Aid as Soft Power Tool

ALMATY – The Kazakhstan Agency for International Development (KazAID), in partnership with Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU), has released the country’s first comprehensive textbook dedicated to Official...


Turkic Heritage Takes Spotlight on Global Cultural Stage

ASTANA – This Sunday, Dec. 15, marks World Turkic Language Family Day, a date established by UNESCO to celebrate and promote the Turkic language family spoken by...


Kazakh Family Preserves Generations of Tazy Breeding

ASTANA — A family in the Kerbulak district of Kazakhstan’s Zhetisu Region has spent decades preserving and developing the tazy, an ancient Kazakh sighthound prized for its...


Kazakh Unity and Warrior Courage Define Survival in Dzungar Wars, Historian Says

ASTANA – The courage of Kazakh warriors, known as batyrs, and the people’s unity were decisive in ensuring the Kazakhs’ survival during the centuries-long Kazakh–Dzungar wars, a...


Kazakhstan to Launch Restoration Works on 39 Historical and Cultural Sites in 2026

ALMATY – The Ministry of Culture and Information Committee has approved an updated list of historical and cultural monuments scheduled for scientific restoration in 2026. The national...


Almaty’s Cultural Landmarks You Shouldn’t Miss

ASTANA – Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, is often described as the nation’s cultural capital. Its vast network of museums, galleries and contemporary art spaces continues to strengthen...


Astana Airport Launches Automated Border Control System to Speed Up Passenger Clearance

ALMATY – The Astana International Airport has introduced a new Automated Border Control System (ABCS), designed to significantly reduce processing times and improve the overall travel experience...


Kazakh Scientists Develop Ice Cream and Yogurt Made From Camel Milk

ALMATY – Scientists at the food safety research laboratory of the Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian and Technical University have developed innovative dairy products, including ice cream...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Diplomacy, Green Energy, Cultural Recognition and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected key articles from international media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest highlights President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Kazakhstan,...


Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan Strengthen Regional Push for Connectivity and Peace

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Ashgabat on Dec. 11 to participate in a high-level forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the...


Kazakhstan’s National Bank Reserves Rise to $62.1 Billion as Gold Portfolio Expands

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s gross international reserves rose to $62.1 billion in November, driven by a sharp increase in the National Bank’s (NBK) gold holdings, even as the...


Kazakhstan, Holy See Advance Interfaith Cooperation in Peacebuilding and Global Ethics

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s Senate (Parliament’s upper chamber) Chairperson Maulen Ashimbayev led a parliamentary delegation to the Vatican on Dec. 11, where he personally delivered President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s...


Kazakhstan Clarifies Oil Transport Capacity and Logistics Adjustments Amid CPC Terminal Repairs

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy reported that the incident at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium’s (CPC) marine terminal did not have a critical impact on the country’s...


Kazakhstan, Iran Aim to Boost Trade to $2 Billion

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian took part in the Kazakhstan–Iran Business Forum in Astana on Dec. 11, reaffirming the growing economic...


Giving Heartbeat to Data: Central Asian Female Artists Challenge Silence Through Art

Data often sounds distant and pale until it touches your background. Standing in front of installations built from statistics on femicide, violence, unequal pay, and education gaps,...


EDB: Kazakhstan Drives Surge in Central Asia’s Intra-Regional Investment

ASTANA — Intra-regional foreign direct investment (FDI) in Central Asia has surged to $1.3 billion, a 42% increase from 2023, with nearly 80% of the capital directed...


AIFC Establishes International Islamic Finance Advisory Board

ASTANA – The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) has established an Islamic Finance Advisory Board, uniting leading global experts from Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and...


Mid-December Highlights: Live Performances, Historical Exhibitions, and More

ASTANA –  The upcoming weekend will be extended in celebration of Independence Day on Dec. 16, marking 34 years since Kazakhstan’s Supreme Council declared the country’s independence...


Astana and Tehran Elevate Partnership as Presidents Highlight Shared Vision and Regional Role

ASTANA – Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a joint statement on Dec. 11, emphasizing the deep historical ties between Kazakhstan and Iran, the steady growth...


Exhibition of Kazakh National Jewelry Opens at Presidential Center

ASTANA – An exhibition of national jewelry dedicated to Independence Day opened at the Presidential Center on Dec. 10, showcasing the richness of Kazakh jewelry art. Over...


Kazakhstan, Iran Boost Trade and Strategic Ties

ASTANA — Kazakhstan and Iran not only maintain a constructive political dialogue but are also seeing growing trade and economic ties, with trade up 40% in just...


Kazakh Language Support Endowment Fund Receives 100-Fold Boost

ASTANA – The Kazakh language continues to gain momentum through major educational, cultural, and technological initiatives, highlighted at the annual congress of the Kazakh Language International Society...


Kyrgyz Constitutional Court Rules Against Reinstating Death Penalty

ASTANA – The Constitutional Court of the Kyrgyz Republic has ruled that bringing back the death penalty is unacceptable and legally impossible. The decision came on Dec....


Kazakhstan Highlights Human Rights and Penitentiary Reform at International Conference

ASTANA – Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to human rights and the modernization of its penal system at a high-level conference on International Human Rights Day on Dec....


ADB Warns Asia’s Water Security Gains at Risk Amid Climate Pressures and Funding Gap

ASTANA – More than 60% of Asia and the Pacific’s population – around 2.7 billion people – has been lifted from extreme water insecurity over the past...


Astana to Host Int’l Badminton Championship in December

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s capital will host the Astana International Challenge 2025, a major international badminton tournament, scheduled to take place at the Beeline Arena on Dec. 17-21....


Human Rights Day Event Highlights Role of Independent Media in Strengthening Kazakh Society

ASTANA — A roundtable in Astana explored how independent media can strengthen public trust and support a resilient, democratic society in Kazakhstan to mark Human Rights Day...


Kazakhstan Keeps Oil Exports Flowing After CPC Terminal Attack

ASTANA – The Kazakh Energy Ministry confirmed efforts to find additional routes for the Kazakh oil and said Kazakhstan’s crude exports have not been entirely halted following...


Kazakh Chess Star Kamalidenova Claims Runner-Up Title at Open Chess Tournament in Spain

ALMATY – Kazakh chess rising star Meruert Kamalidenova delivered another remarkable performance by finishing as women’s vice-champion at the sixth El Llobregat Open Chess Tournament, a major...


Kazakhstan to Route Flights to US Through London Until New Aircraft Arrives

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev announced at a Dec. 9 government briefing that direct flights between Kazakhstan and the United States will temporarily require a...


AIFC Connect Accelerates Capital Market Integration Between Kazakhstan and UAE

ALMATY – Kazakhstan presented a series of key infrastructure, financial, and technology initiatives during AIFC Connect: Abu Dhabi 2025, a business forum co-organized by the Astana International...


Kazakhstan’s Football Rise Continues with Anarbekov’s Historic Champions League Honor

ALMATY – Although Almaty’s FC Kairat continues to face tough competition in its series of UEFA Champions League matches, Kazakhstan’s football is entering a new stage of...


Kazakhstan, EU to Launch Second Round of Visa Facilitation Talks in Astana in 2026

ALMATY – Kazakhstan and the European Union (EU) aim to modernize the legal framework for travel facilitation and strengthen ties. The initiative is expected to simplify travel...


Kazakh Presidential Envoy Tukumov Visits Afghanistan, Deepens Regional Cooperation

ALMATY – Kazakh Special Representative for Afghanistan and Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yerkin Tukumov paid a working visit to Afghanistan on Dec. 8 to...


Mastering Algorithms Emerges as New Super Skill

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece by Aigul Zabirova draws on findings from a nationwide survey commissioned by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS) and conducted from...


Kazakhstan Advances Transport and Transit Digitalization

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is advancing the modernization and digitalization of its transport and transit systems to strengthen its role as a key Eurasian hub. Prime Minister Olzhas...


Austria Strengthens Ties with Kazakhstan Following Visit of Business Delegation

ASTANA – Rail Cargo Austria, one of the subsidiaries of ÖBB-Holding, and KTZ Express agreed to develop intermodal transportation along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) and...


National Bank Governor Reports Strong Economic Gains During Meeting with Tokayev

ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with National Bank Governor Timur Suleimenov on Dec. 9 to review the state of the economy, financial system, and monetary...


Kazakhstan and Brazil Look Beyond Geography to Build Strategic Partnership

ASTANA — Kazakhstan and Brazil emphasized their shared commitment to multilateralism, diplomacy, and equal international cooperation during a Dec. 8 political consultations, co-chaired by First Deputy Foreign...


Kazakhstan to Supply Kashagan Crude to China Directly After CPC Terminal Damage

ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to supply 50,000 metric tons of crude to China directly from the vast Kashagan field in December for the first time after a...


Dimash Qudaibergen Appointed IOM Global Goodwill Ambassador

ASTANA – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) of the United Nations appointed Kazakh artist Dimash Qudaibergen as a Global Goodwill Ambassador during the annual session of...


President of Kazakhstan Signs Three-Year National Budget Law

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed the law on the national budget for 2026–2028 on Dec. 8. The full text of the law will be...


Inside Kazakhstan’s 16 Special Economic Zones: Projects and Jobs in 2025

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s 16 special economic zones (SEZ) play a central role in the country’s investment strategy, offering tax incentives, simplified customs procedures and ready industrial sites....


Uzbekistan Inaugurates First Utility-Scale Solar and Battery Project with Masdar

ASTANA — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev inaugurated the Nur Bukhara project, the country’s first utility-scale integrated solar and battery project, developed by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company...


Kazakhstan Reinforces Commitment to Global Cooperation at Doha Forum 2025

ASTANA — Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Bakayev participated in the Doha Forum 2025 on Dec. 6-7, engaging in high-level discussions on justice, sustainable development and international...


Uzbek Artist Joins Global Cultural Leaders at Art Basel Gold Awards Debut

ALMATY — Art Basel unveiled its first class of Gold Awardees at a landmark ceremony on Dec. 4 at the New World Center in Miami Beach, the...


Kazakhstan, Austria Agree to Deepen Strategic Partnership, Expand Parliamentary and Investment Cooperation

ALMATY  — Kazakhstan and Austria reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening political dialogue and expanding economic cooperation during a series of high-level meetings held in Vienna on Dec....


Our Generation Has Failed, UN Chief Tells Young Journalists

ASTANA – UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the organization is reshaping its internal system to give young people a stronger voice, responding to a question from AT’s...


Central Asia Breaks Tourism Records as Regional Travel Surge Accelerates

ALMATY – Central Asia is experiencing a tourism boom, with the region welcoming 28.6 million foreign visitors in 2024. The rapid expansion reflects the region’s natural and...


Rule of Law Weakens Worldwide in 2025, Kazakhstan Holds Regional Ground

ALMATY – The World Justice Project (WJP) has released its 2025 Rule of Law Index, assessing 143 countries through nationwide population surveys, indicating that Central Asian countries...


Kazakhstan’s Crypto Market Surges to $6.8 Billion as AIFC Expands Regulated Ecosystem

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s regulated crypto market continues its strong upward trajectory, with trading volumes on platforms licensed by the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) reaching $6.8 billion...


Kazakhstan, France to Establish Regional Civil Aviation Training Center in Astana

ALMATY – Kazakhstan and France have reached a preliminary agreement to establish a European-level regional aviation training center in Astana that will become a hub for advanced...


Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Pay Official Visit to Astana This Week

ALMATY – Astana will host the President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian on an official visit on Dec. 10–11, marking a new stage in the strengthening of Kazakh-Iranian...


Wondering Where to Ski This Winter? Kazakhstan Offers Different Kind of Mountain Escape

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s winter tourism season is gaining momentum as travelers seek alpine landscapes, accessible slopes and quieter alternatives to crowded resorts abroad. From the Tien Shan...


Kazakhstan Reports Record Saiga Numbers, Advances Management Measures

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s saiga population has reached a record 4 million animals, prompting the government to strengthen measures to manage the rapid growth, First Deputy Prime Minister...


Rare Gold Artifacts and Double Burial Discovered in Zhetysu’s Ancient Dauylbay Mounds

ASTANA — Archaeologists in Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu Region have uncovered rare gold jewelry, elite Saka-era burial mounds, and a unique double burial dating back to the 4th–3rd centuries...


UN Launches International Year of Volunteers, Commends Kazakhstan’s Leading Role 

ASTANA – The United Nations headquarters in New York hosted a high-level ceremony to launch the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026, an initiative aimed...


Talks in Paris Advance Aircraft Deal with Airbus, Solidify Broader Economic Cooperation with Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Airbus signed a memorandum of understanding to deliver more A320neo aircraft to the country following the 16th meeting of the Kazakhstan-France Intergovernmental Commission...


Kazakhstan Expands New Wave of Inclusive Workspaces

ASTANA – Kazakhstan marked the International Day of People with Disabilities on Dec. 3, renewing attention to the everyday challenges families face in raising children with disabilities...


Kazakh Boxing Legend Golovkin Inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame

ASTANA — Gennady Golovkin has officially become the first Kazakhstani boxer to be included in the Class of 2026 of the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF),...


Kazakhstan’s Accommodation Sector Sees 12% Growth in Visitor Numbers

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s accommodation facilities welcomed 7.8 million visitors in January-September, marking a 12.4% increase compared to the same period last year. Hotels in Almaty led the...


International Investment Forum in Aktobe Attracts Participants from 20 Countries

ASTANA —  The investment forum brought together international investors, major Kazakh businesses, and central government representatives on Dec. 4 in Aktobe. The event featured seven ambassadors and...


Tokayev Honors Entrepreneurs, Highlights Economic Growth and Social Responsibility

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered an address to the country’s entrepreneurs at the Dec.5 ceremony honoring the winners of the Altyn Sapa (Golden Standard), Paryz (Duty),...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Central Asia’s Rise, AI Potential, AIF and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest highlights Central Asia’s growing economic influence, Kazakhstan’s role...


Kazakh Peacekeepers Destroy Over 1,000 Explosive Devices in Syria

ASTANA — Kazakh peacekeepers have discovered and destroyed over 1,000 explosive ordnance items, including 23 improvised devices, as part of 32 operational missions in Syria in January-August,...


Dimash Qudaibergen Premieres Song on GRAMMYs Global Spin Project

ASTANA — On Dec. 4, Dimash Qudaibergen premiered his original composition “Fire” on the official GRAMMYs website and YouTube channel.  Following the success of his October showcase...


Kazakh Foreign Minister Engages in Key Bilateral Talks at OSCE Ministerial Council

ASTANA – Within the framework of the 32nd Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev held bilateral...


Kazakhstan, EU Strengthen Strategic Partnership During President Costa’s Visit

ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and European Council President António Costa delivered a joint statement on Dec. 4, following productive talks in a friendly and constructive...


Kazakhstan, Germany to Forward Media and Expert Engagement

BERLIN – Kazakh and German pundits agreed to expand cooperation at the media and expert levels at the 45th meeting of the Berlin Eurasian Club (BEC) on...


Central Asian Youth Join Forces in Astana to Combat Digital Violence

ALMATY — Thirty young innovators from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan gathered in Astana on Dec. 4 for a regional case championship aimed at...


Kazakhstan Approves New Trade Policy Framework Till 2030 to Modernize Sector

ALMATY — The Kazakh government approved a comprehensive Trade Policy Concept through 2030 on Nov. 27, outlining a new strategic framework for the development of domestic and...


Tokayev, EU’s Costa Set New Kazakhstan – EU Priorities as Ties Turn 10

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with President of the European Council António Costa, who arrived in Kazakhstan for his first official visit on Dec. 4,...


European Union and Kazakhstan: Turning Shared Challenges into Shared Opportunities 

Ten years after the EU and Kazakhstan signed the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, our relationship has grown into a broad and dynamic partnership. It spans political...


Kazakhstan Tightens Public Safety Rules With Face-Covering Clothing Ban

ALMATY – Kazakhstan will formally introduce administrative liability for wearing face-covering clothing in public places under a new unified law on the Prevention of Offenses, adopted by...


Winter Kickoff: Theater and Festive Delights for Cozy December Evenings

ASTANA – Spend the weekend enjoying concerts featuring beloved artists, the romance of captivating ballet performances, and the energy of festive winter events. This weekend is perfect...


OPEC Fund to Provide Up to $400 Million for Kazakh Private Sector Projects by 2030

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s Mazhilis (Parliament’s lower chamber) has approved a landmark framework agreement with the OPEC Fund for International Development, paving the way for expanded financing of...


Earthquake Shakes Almaty, Residents Spill Into Streets After Sudden Tremor

ALMATY — An earthquake rattled Almaty on Dec. 4, briefly sending residents out of their apartments and into courtyards as buildings swayed for several seconds. According to...


Emerging Triangular Connectivity: The Economic Synergy of Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Kazakhstan

In recent years, the noticeable strengthening of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan has had a positive impact not only on bilateral relations, but also on the overall...


Kazakh FM Kosherbayev and IAEA’s Grossi Expand Nuclear Cooperation Roadmap

ALMATY – Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev met with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, on Dec. 3 during his working...


Kazakhstan Expands Cooperation With Asia-Pacific Partners at UNESCAP Forum

ALMATY — Kazakhstan has strengthened its international development cooperation efforts in the Asia-Pacific region as a national delegation led by Chairman of the Kazakhstan Agency of International...


Kazakhstan Plans Major Air Cargo Upgrade to Win Transit Race

ASTANA — By 2040, 20% of all global air cargo will pass along routes between Asia and Europe, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at a Dec. 3 meeting,...


Kazakhstan, EU Launch Formal Negotiations on Visa Facilitation Agreement

ALMATY  — Kazakhstan and the European Union (EU) officially opened negotiations on a visa facilitation and readmission agreements on Dec. 2 in Brussels, Belgium, marking a historic...


Central Asian Startups Gain Ground in US Tech Market, Says Industry Expert

ASTANA — Central Asian founders are gaining significant traction in the United States, where more than 350 regional startups now operate through the Silkroad Innovation Hub in...


Kazakhstan Temir Zholy Reports Strong Freight Growth in January-November 

ASTANA — Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the national railway operator, reported that freight volumes across its network reached 287.8 million tons in January-November, 4% higher than the...