Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration is developing a domestic digital platform aimed at streamlining the purchase of agricultural products, reducing their cost, and enhancing government oversight of the agricultural sector.
Speaking at a government meeting on August 5, Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliev said a pilot project is currently underway to introduce a nationwide information system for tracking goods, implemented in partnership with the national telecom operator, Kazakhtelecom JSC. The goal is to ensure a transparent and accessible supply of socially important food products to the population.
“This project aggregates real-time data on the stock and volume of such goods, based on invoices across the supply chain,” Shakkaliev stated. “Using this system, we are creating an innovative agri-marketplace that will provide digital connectivity between producers, retail chains, and government agencies, eliminating intermediaries and opaque schemes.”
The ministry is also preparing to launch a domestic B2B platform to facilitate wholesale imports, primarily from China, and support small and medium-sized enterprises. Plans include the introduction of digital tools, streamlined procedures, and integration with suppliers via direct channels, including JD.com and Alibaba. Full implementation will require removing technical certification barriers with the Chinese side.
According to Shakkaliev, over 25 million fiscal receipts are generated daily in Kazakhstan. In response, the ministry will launch a dedicated module to monitor trade markups by analyzing electronic invoices and cash register receipts. “The system will enable monitoring of purchase and retail prices, identifying price anomalies, assessing markup levels by category, region, and supplier, and detecting potential shortages in a timely manner,” he explained.
Further digital initiatives include expanding Kazakhstan’s product labeling system. By the end of 2025, motor oils will be subject to digital labeling, followed by beer in February 2026, light industry goods in March, and jewelry by December. From 2027, biologically active supplements (BAS) will also be included.
Shakkaliev said these reforms are expected to boost trade volumes, reduce the shadow economy, and increase labor productivity in the retail sector.
As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan launched a domestic online marketplace, Teez, in December 2024, offering next-day delivery and opening pick-up points in 24 cities across the country.
