Our People > Dmitry Pokidaev

Dmitry Pokidaev

Journalist

Dmitry Pokidaev is a journalist based in Astana, Kazakhstan, with experience at some of the country's top media outlets. Before his career in journalism, Pokidaev worked as an academic, teaching Russian language and literature.

Articles

Automobile Industry

Kazakhstan’s Auto Industry Accelerates: Vehicle Output Up Nearly 37%

Vehicle production in Kazakhstan increased by 36.8% year-on-year in January-March 2026, according to data from the Kazakhstan Automobile Union (KAU). KAU reported that 45,260 units were produced in the first three months of the year, including passenger cars, trucks, trailers, and semi-trailers. In March alone, output reached 17,462 units, up 42.8% compared to the same month last year and 19.9% higher than in February. In value terms, total automotive output amounted to approximately $1.2 billion, representing a 27.5% increase year-on-year. The sector’s share of the overall machinery industry rose to 43.1%, up from 39.7% a year earlier. “Based on the results of the first three months, Kazakhstan’s auto industry is demonstrating steady growth,” said KAU President Anar Makasheva. “The continued strong performance in March confirms positive trends in the sector. Significant growth has also been recorded in the auto components segment: over three months, production of automotive parts and accessories reached 259.8 billion tenge, increasing fourfold compared to the same period last year. Manufacturers will continue to accelerate growth in this segment.” Passenger cars continue to account for the largest share of output. During the reporting period, 42,115 units were produced, up 37.9% year-on-year. Truck production reached 1,380 units (+16.7%), buses totaled 750 units (+73.2%), and trailers and semi-trailers reached 904 units (+21%). Output of special-purpose vehicles declined to 111 units. The Kostanay-based Allur plant remained the industry leader, producing 14,234 vehicles. Astana Motors Manufacturing Kazakhstan in Almaty produced 12,778 units, while Hyundai Trans Kazakhstan manufactured 10,755 vehicles. The Kia Qazaqstan plant produced 4,640 units. Other manufacturers include QazTehna (806 units), SemAZ (627 trucks), Hyundai Trans Almaty (196 units), Daewoo Bus Kazakhstan (148 units), and KAMAZ-Engineering (135 units). Among the most popular brands produced in Kazakhstan were Hyundai (10,725 vehicles), Chevrolet (8,341), Kia (5,084), Changan (4,102), Haval (4,099), Chery (3,744), Jetour (2,250), Geely Galaxy (1,388), JAC (979), and Tank (833). The increase in output continues last year’s trend, when Kazakhstan set a record by producing more than 171,000 vehicles in 2025.

1 day ago

Agriculture

Kazakhstan and China’s Snow Valley Agree to Build $100-200 Million Potato Processing Complex

The administration of Kazakhstan’s Pavlodar region has signed a memorandum of cooperation with China’s Snow Valley Agricultural Group Co. Ltd. to implement a major investment project focused on potato processing, regional authorities have announced. The document outlines plans to establish a modern agro-industrial complex with an annual processing capacity of between 100,000 and 200,000 tonnes. The agreement was signed by regional governor Asain Baikhanov and representatives of the Chinese side, Wang Dengshe and Zhang Fan. The project is aimed at producing high value-added products. It includes the construction of a research and breeding center for potato cultivation and seed production, the launch of French fries manufacturing, and the development of storage, logistics, and distribution infrastructure. Total investment is estimated at between $100 million and $200 million. Regional authorities expect the project to create a full production and supply chain, reduce the shortage of deep-processing capacity in agriculture, and generate new jobs. “The regional administration is ready to support initiatives aimed at creating high-tech, high value-added production,” Baikhanov said. Founded in 2007 in Zhangjiakou, China, Snow Valley is a vertically integrated agro-industrial holding covering the entire production cycle from potato breeding and cultivation to deep processing. The company processes more than 800,000 tonnes of raw materials annually, including over 400,000 tonnes of frozen products. Its total storage capacity reaches 700,000 tonnes. The company is also engaged in breeding programs and has developed more than 80 potato varieties. Its production utilizes advanced technologies, including pulsed electric field (PEF) systems, which improve product quality and reduce oil consumption. Snow Valley exports its products to more than 40 countries. Following the visit, Chairman Wang Dengshe highlighted the strong potential of Pavlodar region and confirmed the company’s interest in long-term cooperation. “The Chinese company has confirmed its readiness to implement the project using modern technologies and local resources, while the regional administration has pledged comprehensive support, including infrastructure development, provision of resource bases, and administrative assistance,” the regional press service said. The project comes amid previous restrictions on potato exports. Kazakhstan earlier introduced a temporary ban on shipments outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) due to rising domestic prices. In autumn 2025, authorities also did not rule out reinstating such measures, although the market currently remains stable.

1 day ago

Nuclear Power Plant

Kazakhstan Plans to Build at Least Three Nuclear Power Plants by 2050

Kazakhstan plans to build at least three nuclear power plants (NPPs) by 2050, with implementation of the first project already underway, the country’s Atomic Energy Agency has said. The nuclear energy development strategy aims to ensure energy security, support sustainable economic growth, and meet international climate commitments, while fostering high-tech industries and strengthening Kazakhstan’s position in the global nuclear sector. “According to the Strategy, by 2050, at least three nuclear power plants will be operating in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The first NPP project is already being implemented, construction of the second is under consideration, and for the third NPP, the potential use of small modular reactor technologies is being explored,” the agency said. In addition to plant construction, the strategy provides for the rational use of uranium resources, localization of equipment and nuclear fuel production, and the development of national industrial capacity. Particular attention is being given to advancing nuclear science and applied technologies, creating a modern scientific and technological base, and establishing a system for training qualified personnel. The document also outlines measures for the safe management of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel to minimize environmental risks. Plans include the introduction of digital solutions and ensuring a high level of information security at nuclear facilities. “The implementation of the Strategy will enable the creation of a modern and sustainable nuclear cluster in Kazakhstan, integrated into the global nuclear ecosystem,” the agency said. A Center of Competence for NPP construction will be established on the basis of Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants. This entity will serve as a project office, general contractor, and holder of state equity stakes in future plants. In the longer term, the country plans to create a specialized nuclear energy holding company that will unite project and operating organizations in the sector. According to expert estimates, construction of a single nuclear power plant will require up to 10,000 workers, including more than 3,000 technical specialists. “In this regard, active work is underway to update technical and vocational education programs,” the agency said. “Particular attention is being paid to training specialists such as turbine equipment operators, electricians, NPP equipment installers, and technicians responsible for plant operation and safety.” Programs for applied bachelor’s degrees in nuclear energy are also being developed, along with new specialties, including reactor equipment operators. The first plant will use Generation III+ reactors, which feature enhanced reliability and modern safety systems, including passive protection mechanisms capable of operating without human intervention or external power supply. According to the agency, the project incorporates international experience, including lessons learned from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in Japan, and includes measures to prevent radioactive releases even in severe emergencies. Contracts for the construction of the second and third NPPs have been awarded to China National Nuclear Corporation, while the first plant will be built by Russia’s state corporation Rosatom. The site for the first plant is located in the village of Ulken in the Almaty region, on the shores of Lake Balkhash, approximately 400 km northwest...

2 days ago

digital economy

Kazakhstan Aims to Boost IT Services Exports to $5 Billion by 2030

Kazakhstan plans to increase its IT services exports nearly fivefold, to $5 billion by 2030, officials and industry participants said at a roundtable focused on positioning the country as a regional hub for international tech talent and digital nomads. According to official data, Kazakhstan exported IT services worth $471 million to 95 countries in the first nine months of 2025. In the final quarter of the year, that figure more than doubled, reaching $1.142 billion as of January 1, 2026. Export revenues also exceeded spending on imported digital solutions by more than 2.6 times, with imports totaling $429 million. The new export target is expected to be supported by workforce expansion and talent attraction initiatives. Representatives of Astana Hub said the country plans to train 10,000 specialists in AI by 2030. At the same time, Kazakhstan is promoting its Digital Nomad Residency program, launched in January 2025, aimed at attracting foreign IT professionals. To date, more than 700 applications from 30 countries have been submitted under the program, with over 120 specialists granted residency status. “Human capital development is the foundation on which Kazakhstan’s growth as a digital hub is built,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev. “We aim to make the Digital Nomad process fully digital, transparent, fast, and convenient. The arrival of highly qualified professionals is not just a statistic, it brings international experience, new competencies, and links to global markets. Our goal is to create conditions where talented IT professionals can realize their potential here and contribute to Kazakhstan’s economy.” Participants at the roundtable, including engineers and analysts from international companies, also shared their relocation experiences and proposed improvements to digital services. Following the meeting, stakeholders agreed to continue work through a permanent working group to better adapt the program to the needs of the IT community. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed establishing a regional center for cooperation with Japan in digital transformation and artificial intelligence in Astana.

2 days ago

Economy

Kazakhstan Freezes Projects with Iran Amid Military Conflict

Kazakhstan has suspended several joint projects with Iran amid ongoing military hostilities in the country, Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Issetov has announced. The decision effectively puts on hold plans to expand trade and economic cooperation between Astana and Tehran, despite previously stated ambitions to significantly increase bilateral trade. On December 11, 2025, during the Kazakhstan-Iran business forum in Astana, Tokayev said bilateral trade had exceeded $340 million the previous year. The two sides set an initial goal of raising trade to $1 billion, with a longer-term aim of doubling that figure. However, the escalation of military activity in Iran has forced both sides to reconsider these plans. “The situation is currently very complicated. At this point, many of our projects with Iran have been frozen due to the country being in a state of war. As a result, our businesses and entrepreneurs are now in a wait-and-see position,” Issetov said. “Kazakhstan is not suffering major losses, as the volumes were relatively small and did not significantly impact the national economy. Nevertheless, given our strong partnership with Iran, there is an effect, though not a substantial one,” he added. Despite the growth in trade, Iran’s share in Kazakhstan’s foreign economic relations remains limited. According to the Ministry of National Economy, exports to Iran in 2025 amounted to $239.3 million, while imports totaled $191 million, equivalent to roughly 0.3% of the country’s total foreign trade turnover. The agricultural sector accounted for the bulk of trade: approximately 90% of Kazakhstan’s exports to Iran consisted of wheat and barley. In the first ten months of last year alone, grain shipments reached $280 million, exceeding the total agricultural trade volume for 2024 ($220 million). Government officials believe these volumes can be redirected to alternative markets if necessary. From a logistics perspective, Iran is not considered a critical transit route for Kazakhstan. This was previously confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin. “I don’t think the conflict will have any impact on our logistics. Shipments through the Persian Gulf were never dominant for us,” he said. Despite its currently limited role, Iran had been viewed as a promising direction for the development of transport corridors. In December 2025, Tokayev announced plans to build a transport and logistics terminal at Shahid Rajaee Port, which was intended to provide direct access for Kazakh exports to global markets. Plans also included strengthening links between Kazakhstan’s ports of Aktau and Kuryk and Iran’s ports of Amirabad and Anzali, as well as integrating Bandar Abbas and Chabahar into regional logistics chains. “It is important for us to develop multimodal corridors connecting Central Asia with the Persian Gulf, and the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway plays a key role in this,” Tokayev previously stated. According to his estimates, cargo traffic along this route could have doubled by 2030. For now, those plans are effectively on hold.

5 days ago

State Budget

Kazakhstan Explores Budget Cuts and Tax Reforms with Input from Elon Musk

Kazakhstan is exploring ways to optimize its state budget, drawing inspiration from recent U.S. reforms. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin revealed that Elon Musk, head of the newly established U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has offered assistance in implementing similar measures in Kazakhstan. According to Zhumangarin, Musk proposed helping the government identify potential cost-cutting areas, though he acknowledged that reducing social expenditures would be challenging. He welcomed Musk’s input, suggesting the formation of a working group to assess possible savings while ensuring that cuts do not negatively impact ordinary citizens. The discussion on budget efficiency comes as Kazakhstan prepares for tax reforms, including raising the value-added tax (VAT) from 12% to a proposed 16-20% and lowering the revenue threshold for VAT registration from 78 million KZT to 15 million KZT ($150,000 to $29,000). Officials estimate the changes could generate an additional 5-7 trillion KZT in revenue. However, the proposed reforms have met resistance. A petition argues that lowering the VAT threshold will disproportionately burden small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), forcing them to hire additional staff and leading to price increases. Some lawmakers have also warned that raising the VAT rate could drive inflation higher. Senate Speaker Maulen Ashimbayev has urged the government to reassess budget efficiency before implementing tax hikes, pointing to the U.S. model, where the Department of Government Efficiency is working to cut wasteful spending. While he does not advocate blindly following the U.S. approach, Ashimbayev believes Kazakhstan should consider similar measures as it debates tax increases and fiscal responsibility. As previously reported, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of National Economy had proposed reducing the number of taxes in the country by 21% a year ago.

1 year ago