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

Coal

Kazakhstan Coal Exports Hit 7 Million Tons in Q1 2026

Kazakhstan coal exports reached 7.1 million tons in the first three months of 2026, while the domestic market remained the primary destination for the country’s coal producers, Nikolai Radostovets, executive director of the Republican Association of Mining and Metallurgical Enterprises, said at the VII Coal Industry Forum. Energy Ministry figures have put Kazakhstan’s 2025 coal production at around 115.9 million tons. Of that amount, 85.9 million tons were supplied to the domestic market, including the housing and utilities sector and thermal power plants, while exports amounted to 30 million tons. Kazakhstan’s main coal export destinations remain Russia, Poland, Uzbekistan, Turkey, India, and Malaysia, Radostovets told participants at the Coal Industry Forum, held as part of the Astana Mining & Metallurgy Congress, AMM 2026. Coal output is expected to rise this year to 128.9 million tons. In January-March, nearly 29 million tons of coal were mined, while exports reached 7.1 million tons, according to industry association data. “One of the key tasks for the industry remains ensuring stable supply to the domestic market, including thermal power plants and the housing and utilities sector,” Radostovets said, whilst also stressing that exports remain a crucial part of the sector’s sustainability. “Exports ensure workload for enterprises, foreign currency earnings, tax revenues and stable production programs. Domestic needs are always prioritized, but exports help maintain overall production levels and the financial sustainability of enterprises,” he said. He also warned that Kazakhstan’s coal exports face mounting transportation risks linked to geopolitical shifts across Eurasia, as well as insufficient capacity in regional logistics infrastructure. To preserve export potential, Radostovets said Kazakhstan needs more predictable tariff-setting by transport operators, expanded alternative logistics routes, improved efficiency at the Caspian ports of Aktau and Kuryk, and stronger intergovernmental coordination on transit issues. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov sought to reassure coal producers that domestic demand for their products is likely to grow in the coming years as the government expands coal-fired power generation. “Against the backdrop of rising electricity consumption, industrial growth and the development of the digital economy, reliable baseload generation is becoming increasingly important. In this regard, the government has approved the national project ‘Development of Coal Generation,’” Akkenzhenov said. The program covers 2026-2030 and provides for the construction of new energy facilities, while expanding or modernizing existing installations. This is expected to create additional demand for around 20 million tons of thermal coal per year by 2030. Kazakhstan’s renewed emphasis on coal reflects a wider tension in its energy policy. The government is seeking a route out of electricity shortages and provide reliable baseload generation for industry, data centers, and other energy-intensive sectors, while also maintaining its formal target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Officials have argued that new coal capacity will be paired with cleaner technologies and modern emissions controls, but the scale of the planned expansion underlines how central coal remains to Kazakhstan’s power system. The national project includes eight new coal-generation facilities, including major projects in Ekibastuz, Kurchatov, and Zhezkazgan, as well...

21 hours ago

AMM 2026

U.S. Investors Show Growing Interest in Kazakhstan’s Mining Sector

U.S. investors are showing growing interest in Kazakhstan’s critical minerals sector, with attention increasingly focused not only on extraction but also on processing, metallurgy and broader supply-chain development, according to Nicole Rodgers, president of the U.S.-based Alliance for Mineral Security, an industry group representing companies involved in mining, processing and the use of strategic minerals. Rodgers spoke during the panel session “Investment Climate in Mining and Metallurgy” at the Astana Mining & Metallurgy Congress, AMM 2026, where she emphasized that predictability and regulatory consistency are among the most important conditions for attracting global capital. “In our view, Kazakhstan is moving in the right direction, including by harmonizing regulations with international standards, developing early-stage geological exploration, building industrial clusters and moving toward more sophisticated investment structures,” Rodgers said. “At the same time, American investors are interested not only in extraction, but in participating across the entire value chain.” She pointed to an agreement between U.S.-based Cove Capital and Kazakhstan’s national mining company Tau-Ken Samruk on the joint development of the Severny Katpar and Verkhne Kairakty tungsten deposits in the Karaganda region of central Kazakhstan. Under the deal, the investment package includes plans to build two processing plants and a metallurgical facility, with a total projected value of $1.1 billion. Interest from Washington has also been reinforced at the political level. Speaking at the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue in June, U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor said Washington intended to play an active role in developing Central Asia’s mining sectors. “Interest in Kazakhstan from American investors is high, but for that interest to materialize in practice, infrastructure, energy capacity and skilled personnel are critical,” Rodgers added. While foreign interest is rising, industry representatives said Kazakhstan’s ability to convert that interest into long-term investment will depend on the consistency of its legal and regulatory framework. Nikolai Radostovets, executive director of the Republican Association of Mining and Metallurgical Enterprises, said amendments to Kazakhstan’s Subsoil Code, adopted in 2018, should now be aligned with changes in environmental, water and land legislation introduced in recent years. Ruslan Baimishev, president of the Kazakhstan Mining Chamber, also highlighted the importance of legislative stability, particularly in tax policy, saying investors require consistency in government decisions. World Bank Senior Mining Specialist Remy Pelon said many countries are reforming their mining sectors to meet growing demand for minerals needed for the global energy transition. At the same time, Pelon warned against overcorrection. “Governments must create conditions for the efficient use of mineral resources in the interests of national development, but it is equally important to preserve a balance between industrial policy, openness to new market players and competitiveness,” he said. “That balance is especially important for countries aiming not only to extract raw materials, but also to develop processing, local manufacturing and technological expertise.” Kazakh officials used the forum to underscore recent legal measures designed to improve investor protections. Arman Khassenov, deputy chairman of the Committee for the Protection of Investors’ Rights under the Prosecutor General’s Office,...

21 hours ago

AMM 2026

Kazakhstan Seeks More Than Extraction as U.S. Minerals Interest Grows

Kazakhstan is using renewed U.S. interest in critical minerals to push a larger industrial goal: moving beyond raw-material exports and into processing, technology transfer, and higher-value manufacturing. That ambition was on display in Astana this week across two closely linked but distinct events. The C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue, held on June 10, brought together representatives of the five Central Asian states and the United States for a diplomatic discussion on supply-chain cooperation. The following day, the 16th International Mining and Metallurgy Congress and Exhibition, Astana Mining & Metallurgy (AMM) 2026 opened as an industry forum for mining companies, investors, technology providers, and government officials. The proximity was deliberate; the purposes were different. For Kazakhstan, the issue is not only foreign demand. It wants critical minerals to support a wider industrial strategy, including domestic processing, engineering capacity, and new manufacturing clusters. June 10: The C5+1 Diplomatic Track The C5+1 dialogue brought together representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the United States. Its agenda covered geological exploration, surveying and mapping, mining and processing, logistics, and global value and supply chains. Kazakhstan’s Minister of Industry and Construction, Yersayin Nagaspayev, used the dialogue to present critical minerals as part of the country’s industrial policy rather than simply as an export opportunity. U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs Sergio Gor represented Washington at the meeting. “Kazakhstan is interested not only in exporting raw materials, but also in developing joint production facilities, technology transfer, workforce training, and scientific cooperation,” Nagaspayev said. That point is central to Astana’s pitch. Kazakhstan has long been a major mining state, but the government is increasingly presenting critical minerals as a way to change the structure of the economy. Nagaspayev said the country has more than 9,500 mineral deposits, including more than 100 that contain rare and rare-earth metals. Kazakhstan holds significant deposits of tungsten and molybdenum and has the potential to establish a domestic raw-material base for tantalum and niobium production. It also has reserves of lithium and beryllium, which are important for advanced manufacturing, electronics, aerospace, energy storage, and defense-related industries. Kazakhstan has proven reserves or active production of roughly half of the 54 minerals identified as critical by the United States, according to Al-Farabi Ydyryshev, director general of the National Center for Technological Forecasting under the Industrial Committee. Ydyryshev said Kazakhstan already has extraction and processing capacity for materials used in aerospace, electronics, energy, and defense industries, including beryllium, tantalum, niobium, titanium, and rhenium. The question is whether those capabilities can be expanded into higher-value production. Washington’s interest in Central Asia has grown as critical minerals have become a larger part of economic security policy. China remains dominant in the production and processing of many minerals needed for batteries, semiconductors, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and advanced defense systems. Speaking at the June 10 meeting, Gor linked the minerals agenda to the need for diversification. “Our economic security depends on our ability to diversify our access to critical minerals,” Gor said. “Ensuring reliable access...

2 days ago

Forest Fires

Kazakhstan Develops Specialized Firefighting Vehicle for Forest Fires

Kazakhstan has developed a prototype of a new high-mobility firefighting vehicle designed specifically to combat forest fires, drawing on lessons from the devastating wildfire that swept through the Abai region in 2023, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources said. In June 2023, a major wildfire broke out in the Semey Ormany State Forest Nature Reserve in eastern Kazakhstan’s Abai region, killing 14 forestry workers and burning tens of thousands of hectares of forest. Authorities later estimated the damage at more than $354 million. The disaster prompted forestry and emergency response specialists to conclude that Kazakhstan needed specialized equipment better suited to fighting large-scale forest fires. “Following an analysis of the events in the Abai region, it was decided to develop a prototype of a modern, maneuverable firefighting vehicle capable of responding rapidly to forest fires,” the Ministry of Ecology said. The prototype later underwent field testing in the Akmola, Karaganda, Pavlodar, and Abai regions. Engineers incorporated feedback from firefighters and forestry specialists, along with technical requirements identified during firefighting operations. “As a result, a firefighting vehicle was created that meets all the key operational requirements,” the ministry said. The new vehicle is built for off-road conditions and is powered by an engine producing approximately 300 horsepower. It carries a 3,000-liter water tank and is equipped with a high-capacity pump that allows firefighters to combat flames while stationary or moving. The pump system can be operated from inside the cab or directly from the firefighting compartment, providing greater flexibility during emergency operations. The vehicle is also fitted with a rear-view camera to improve maneuverability in low-visibility conditions and difficult terrain. One of the vehicle’s most notable features is an integrated self-protection system. In the event of approaching flames, the system creates a protective barrier around the vehicle, shielding the wheels, cab, and engine compartment from fire. According to the developers, the technology is particularly valuable during large forest fires, where rapidly changing conditions and extreme temperatures can place firefighting crews and equipment at significant risk. Officials say the vehicle has no direct equivalent elsewhere in the post-Soviet region and represents a modern solution tailored specifically to forest firefighting operations. Kazakhstan has increasingly focused on improving its wildfire response capabilities following recent disasters. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, engineers in the Karaganda region last year unveiled a prototype drone capable of detecting forest fire hotspots and supporting wildfire monitoring efforts.

2 days ago

Lake Balkhash

Kazakhstan and France Develop Master Plan to Preserve Lake Balkhash

Kazakhstan and France are developing a long-term strategy to preserve Lake Balkhash, one of Eurasia’s largest inland water bodies, as concerns grow over the impact of climate change and shifting water resources in the region. An open meeting of the working group tasked with preparing a master plan for the conservation of the lake’s ecosystem was held in Astana. The project is being implemented through cooperation between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the French Development Agency, and France’s Bureau of Geological and Mining Research. Lake Balkhash, located in southeastern Kazakhstan, is the world’s second-largest non-drying saline lake after the Caspian Sea and ranks among the largest lakes globally. The lake is unique in that its western section contains almost fresh water, while the eastern part is brackish. The Ili River provides up to 80% of Balkhash’s inflow, while the Karatal, Aksu, Ayagoz, and Lepsy rivers, along with groundwater resources, also contribute to the lake’s water balance. Although Kazakhstan’s Ecology Ministry has previously said Lake Balkhash is not at risk of catastrophic shallowing, the government has moved forward with plans to develop a comprehensive strategy for protecting the ecosystem of one of the country’s most important water resources. At the meeting, French experts presented preliminary findings from research covering key components of the project. Participants reviewed studies on agriculture, hydrology, glacier runoff contributions, hydrogeology, water use, and water-resource modeling. Particular attention was paid to the sustainable management of water resources in the Lake Balkhash basin under changing climate conditions. Experts outlined approaches to forecasting river flows, assessing future changes in glacier-fed water supplies, studying interactions between surface and groundwater resources, and applying advanced modeling tools to support water-management decisions. The meeting also examined the potential use of digital technologies to analyze different water-allocation scenarios and assist in the preparation of basin management plans. Researchers have already integrated findings from various studies into a unified assessment system covering the entire Lake Balkhash watershed. Participants identified several priority issues requiring additional analysis as work on the master plan continues. “Following the visit by the French experts, the next stages in developing the master plan will be clarified, including the preparation of forecast scenarios for the water-management situation through 2040, the selection of climate models, and additional research in specific areas,” said Kairatgali Khairulla, Chairman of the Information and Analytical Center for Water Resources under Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. “Joint work by Kazakh and French experts will continue through the end of 2026 to integrate research findings, improve modeling calculations, and prepare the final document. The master plan will provide a scientific foundation for long-term decisions on preserving the Lake Balkhash ecosystem and ensuring sustainable management of water resources throughout the basin,” he added. The final version of the master plan is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The future of Lake Balkhash has gained additional significance amid major infrastructure projects planned for the region. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan has...

2 days ago

Investment Prosecutors

Kazakhstan to Increase Legal Protections for Investors

Kazakhstan plans to increase legal protections for investors by appointing dedicated investment prosecutors in the regions and major cities and creating a platform under the Prosecutor General’s Office to resolve disputes between investors and state agencies before they reach court. The measures were announced by Vice Minister of National Economy Arman Kassenov during a briefing in Astana as part of efforts to improve the country’s investment climate and attract more foreign capital. “To achieve this, a special platform for pre-trial settlement of disputes will be created under the Prosecutor General’s Office,” Kassenov said. “This mechanism is intended to help resolve disagreements quickly without lengthy court proceedings.” Investment prosecutors will be appointed at the regional level. Their responsibilities will include assisting investment projects, protecting investors’ rights, and providing legal assistance during major projects. Kazakhstan consists of 20 administrative territorial units: 17 regions and the cities of republican significance Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent. The initiative follows the adoption of amendments by Kazakhstan’s parliament that expand the role of the Prosecutor General in protecting investors’ rights. Under the new legislation, the Prosecutor General will also act as the country’s Investment Ombudsman, responsible for safeguarding the legal interests of domestic and foreign investors. Regional investment prosecutors are expected to be drawn from existing regional prosecutors and equivalent prosecutors in the three cities of republican significance. The government is also seeking to expand its international investment promotion work. Kazakhstan plans to open overseas representative offices in major financial and investment centers to attract investors and assist potential projects at an early stage. Kassenov said an investment service has already been established within Baiterek National Managing Holding JSC. It comprises four sector-specific investment directorates responsible for preparing projects and transferring them to the national investment promotion agency, Kazakh Invest. A new investor support center, Kazakhstan Investment House, will also be established within Kazakh Invest. According to Kassenov, the center will operate as a one-stop shop for investors throughout project implementation, helping reduce administrative barriers and speed up decision-making. The government is also working with the private sector to identify investment opportunities with strong import-substitution and export potential. Kazakhstan also plans to expand the use of its National Digital Investment Platform, which allows authorities to monitor investment projects in real time, track deadlines, and address emerging issues more efficiently. The reforms are part of Kazakhstan’s strategy to attract much higher levels of investment in the coming years. Earlier, authorities announced plans to nearly triple investment in the economy by 2029 as part of efforts to accelerate economic growth and diversification.

3 days ago

Stalking

Kazakhstan Considers Tougher Penalties for Repeat Stalking Offenses

Kazakhstan is considering prison terms of up to five years for repeat stalking offenders under proposed amendments discussed in the Majilis, the lower house of parliament. Criminal liability for stalking, defined as repeated unwanted attempts to establish contact with or track a person against their will, was introduced in Kazakhstan in 2025. Current penalties include a fine of up to 200 times the monthly calculation index, corrective labor in the same amount, community service of up to 200 hours, or arrest for up to 50 days. If stalking is accompanied by violence, threats, blackmail, or privacy violations, offenders may face additional charges under other provisions of the Criminal Code, carrying prison terms of up to two years. Speaking at the parliamentary roundtable, Amangeldy Doszhanov, deputy head of the Interior Ministry’s Investigative Department, said authorities have opened 274 criminal cases since the law entered into force. Of those, 83 have been sent to court and 59 have resulted in convictions. Participants in the discussion argued that the current legislation does not adequately distinguish between isolated incidents and prolonged, systematic harassment. "The same punishment currently applies both to one-off cases of unwanted communication and to systematic stalking," said Assel Tokayeva, a member of the Astana Bar Association and chair of the disciplinary commission of Kazakhstan’s National Bar Association. Deputy Interior Minister Sanzhar Adilov said law enforcement agencies had encountered cases in which individuals convicted of stalking resumed their behavior after serving their sentences. "We are currently considering amendments to Article 115-1 of the Criminal Code," Adilov told lawmakers. "We propose introducing repeat offending as an aggravating factor and strengthening criminal liability." Under the proposed changes, repeat stalking offenses would be classified as crimes of medium gravity and could carry prison sentences of up to five years. The roundtable also reviewed measures aimed at preventing violence against women and expanding protections for victims of domestic abuse. According to Adilov, courts have prohibited 49 domestic abusers from approaching their victims since the beginning of the year, while special behavioral restrictions have been imposed on 9,200 offenders. More than 8,300 of them have been banned from consuming alcohol. The Interior Ministry reported that more than 41,000 people have been held administratively liable in domestic violence-related cases this year, while more than 11,000 offenders have received administrative arrest sentences. More than 10,000 people have also been punished for violating court-imposed restrictions and ordered to undergo mandatory psychological correction programs. Kazakhstan is not alone in expanding legal protections against stalking. As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, neighboring Kyrgyzstan moved earlier this year to introduce criminal liability for stalking as part of wider efforts to address gender-based violence.

3 days ago

Locust Control

Kazakhstan and China Test Biological Locust Control Agent

Scientists from Kazakhstan and China have completed field trials of a new biological pesticide designed to combat Moroccan locust infestations, offering a possible lower-impact alternative to conventional chemical insecticides. The trials took place in Kazakhstan’s southern Turkestan Region and showed the effectiveness of a biocontrol agent based on the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture. The research was conducted as part of a joint international project focused on developing and demonstrating fungal technologies for preventing and controlling locust outbreaks in transboundary breeding areas. The project involved specialists from Kazakhstan’s Zhazken Zhiembayev Kazakh Research Institute of Plant Protection and Quarantine and researchers from the Institute of Plant Protection of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Field testing was carried out on pastureland in the Kazygurt district of Turkestan Region, where researchers monitored the effect of the fungal preparation on populations of Moroccan locusts (Dociostaurus maroccanus), one of the most destructive agricultural pests in Central Asia. To assess effectiveness, treated insects were placed in field cages containing 20 individuals each. Control groups were established 24 hours after application, and researchers monitored mortality rates daily throughout the trial period. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the first signs of fungal infection appeared three days after treatment. Mortality rates reached 70-80% by the fifth day, and by the ninth day all locusts in the experimental groups had died. Moroccan locusts are considered among the most dangerous migratory pests in the region, capable of causing extensive damage to pastureland and agricultural crops. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture said the results highlight the potential of biological crop protection methods as part of broader efforts to reduce the environmental impact of agricultural pest control. Researchers said the successful trial demonstrated the effectiveness of entomopathogenic fungi in suppressing locust populations without the additional ecological risks associated with large-scale chemical spraying. The next phase of the project will involve wider testing in different climatic zones across Kazakhstan, as well as practical recommendations for incorporating the technology into national locust monitoring and control systems. Locust infestations remain a major agricultural challenge across Central Asia. Last year, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan agreed to expand regional cooperation on locust outbreaks. Kazakhstan has also pursued similar work with Russia and China to coordinate monitoring and pest-control measures across borders.

4 days ago

Tourism

Kazakhstan’s Tourism Industry Generated More Than $1.3 Billion in Tax Revenue in 2025

Kazakhstan’s tourism sector generated more than $1.3 billion in tax revenue in 2025, an 18% increase from the previous year, as foreign visitor spending and investment in the industry continued to grow, Tourism and Sports Minister Yerbol Myrzabosynov said. Speaking at a government meeting, Myrzabosynov said foreign tourists spent approximately $2.9 billion in Kazakhstan last year, while investment in the tourism sector rose by 33% to reach $2.74 billion. The figures highlight the growing importance of tourism to Kazakhstan’s economy as authorities seek to diversify sources of growth beyond the country’s traditional resource sectors. Ecotourism was among the fastest-growing segments of the industry. Kazakhstan’s national parks attracted 3.7 million visitors in 2025, up from 2.8 million a year earlier. To manage increasing visitor numbers and protect natural ecosystems, the government updated national ecotourism standards last year and plans further investment in park infrastructure, hiking trails, and tourism routes. Medical tourism has also emerged as a strategic growth area. According to Myrzabosynov, Kazakhstan received approximately 80,000 foreign patients in 2025, benefiting from comparatively affordable healthcare services and growing international recognition of local medical facilities. Ten healthcare institutions in Kazakhstan currently hold Joint Commission International accreditation, and authorities are preparing a roadmap for the development of medical tourism for 2026-2028. Business and conference tourism is another priority sector. The minister said Kazakhstan hosted 13 major international events in 2025, generating approximately $18 million in economic activity. However, he noted that infrastructure limitations continue to constrain growth, particularly in Almaty, the country’s largest commercial center. “Almaty needs a modern international-standard convention and exhibition complex,” Myrzabosynov said, calling for a decision on the project to support further expansion of the meetings and events industry. The government is also seeking to expand tourism linked to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, one of the world’s most historic space launch facilities. Under a recently approved development concept, processing times for permits required by foreign visitors have been reduced to 10 days, making access easier for tour operators and tourists interested in both rocket launches and regular visits to the complex. Visitor numbers to Baikonur increased from 5,200 in 2024 to 7,600 in 2025, according to the ministry. Myrzabosynov said several facilities transferred to Kazakhstan’s control, including Gagarin’s Start, the launch pad used for Yuri Gagarin’s 1961 flight, a fueling and assembly complex, and a dynamic testing facility, have significant tourism potential but require modernization and substantial investment. He also emphasized the importance of developing year-round event tourism at Baikonur to attract visitors between launches and improve use of existing infrastructure. As Kazakhstan expands its tourism offerings, authorities are also looking to develop niche segments of the market. Earlier, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said it expects the number of foreign gambling tourists visiting the country to double following the opening of new casino facilities in four regions of Kazakhstan.

4 days ago

Court Cases

Kazakhstan Justice Reform Sees Citizens Winning More Cases Against State Bodies

In a boost for proponents of justice reform in Kazakhstan, citizens and businesses are now winning more than half of administrative court cases against government agencies. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said, citing what he described as the growing impact of the country’s administrative justice reforms. Speaking at an Astana forum entitled Administrative Justice and Its Role in Ensuring the Rule of Law, Tokayev said the introduction of administrative courts had significantly improved citizens’ ability to challenge government decisions and defend their rights. “It must be acknowledged that in the past it was far more difficult for citizens to challenge the actions of government agencies and protect their rights,” he said. “With the introduction of administrative justice, the situation has changed fundamentally.” In a separate statement, Supreme Court Chairman Aslambek Mergaliyev, noted that the share of cases won by citizens and businesses against state bodies has risen from 15% to nearly 60% over the past five years. “Behind these figures are removed administrative barriers and restored rights for individual citizens, entrepreneurs and investors,” Mergaliyev told participants at the forum. The president noted that under the current system, government bodies are legally required to demonstrate the legality of their decisions and actions, while courts place greater emphasis on evidence gathering and procedural fairness. Tokayev said those changes had helped challenge the longstanding perception that courts usually side with the authorities. “This is a concrete result of administrative justice reforms,” he said. According to Supreme Court Chairman Aslambek Mergaliyev, citizens’ success rate in administrative cases has risen from 15% to nearly 60% over the past five years. Tokayev said Kazakhstan’s next objective is to move beyond resolving disputes after they arise and instead focus on managing legal and administrative risks before conflicts reach the courts. As part of that effort, he highlighted the government’s use of the eOtinish digital platform, which allows citizens and legal entities to submit complaints, appeals, information requests and suggestions to state bodies electronically. According to the president, nearly 16 million submissions have been filed through the platform over the past five years. He said authorities must now ensure greater consistency in administrative decisions at both national and local levels to prevent recurring disputes over the same issues. Tokayev paid particular attention to investor-related disputes, noting that courts rule in favor of investors in up to 80% of such cases. “In meetings with domestic and foreign investors, I consistently stress that the government and business community must engage constructively, openly discuss problems and jointly seek solutions,” he said. At the same time, he added that any compromise reached between officials and investors must remain fully consistent with the law. The remarks come as Kazakhstan seeks to link legal reform more closely to its investment agenda. The government has set a target of attracting $62.7 billion in total investment in 2026, including $25.5 billion in foreign capital, while also transferring the investment ombudsman role to the Prosecutor General and creating a Committee for the Protection of Investors’ Rights. That said, the administrative...

5 days ago

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