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

Electric Vehicles

Kazakhstan to Introduce Green License Plates for Electric Vehicles

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has backed a proposal by Mazhilis deputy Arman Kalykov to introduce green license plates for electric vehicles (EVs). Kalykov, a member of the Mazhilis Committee on Ecology and Nature Management, said separate identification for EVs is needed for traffic monitoring, road police checks, and access control. According to Kalykov, the measure is particularly relevant in environmentally protected areas. In the Shymbulak area near Almaty, for example, vehicles with internal combustion engines face restrictions, while EVs and emergency transport are allowed to enter. EVs are also allowed to remain in residential zones while running, while conventional vehicles are prohibited from parking in spaces equipped with charging stations. “When entering specially protected natural areas, it is necessary to quickly identify an electric vehicle. Traffic police inspectors also face difficulties with this identification,” Kalykov said. Deputy Interior Minister Sanzhar Adilov said the ministry is already working on the necessary regulatory amendments. “There is an internationally recognized practice of using green-colored plates. We have reviewed this issue and support it. Once the law is adopted, we will approve the relevant regulations,” he said. During the discussion, Adilov also supported a proposal by lawmaker Bakytzhan Bazarbek to consider introducing criminal liability for the use of counterfeit license plates. Bazarbek noted that while current legislation already imposes criminal penalties for the production and sale of fake license plates, their use is punishable only by an administrative fine. “A person caught using fake license plates receives a fine of only 15 monthly calculation indexes, about $127. Perhaps it is time to elevate this offense to criminal liability,” the lawmaker said. Adilov acknowledged that the proposal merits further consideration. “A state vehicle registration plate is an important element of traffic regulation and road safety. Therefore, we are taking your proposal into consideration,” he said. The Times of Central Asia previously reported authorities in Kazakhstan are considering lowering speed limits in populated areas.

1 month ago

data center

U.S.-Linked Consortium to Build $1.5 Billion Data Center in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has signed a memorandum of cooperation with an international consortium that includes Dornan Engineering Group and JMOT04 to develop a major high-capacity data center project in the country. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development signed the agreement during GITEX AI Kazakhstan. According to the ministry, the project involves the construction of a Tier III–Tier IV high-reliability data center with planned capacity ranging from 50 MW to 200 MW. Investment in a 200 MW Tier IV facility is estimated at between $1 billion and $1.5 billion. To ensure a stable and independent power supply, the project also includes plans to build a gas-fired power plant with capacity of up to 250 MW. Investment in the energy facility is estimated at between $200 million and $400 million. The project will be implemented by Ample Solution Limited, one of Asia’s largest suppliers of electronic components, founded in 2008. “Kazakhstan has a unique geographic position, a favorable climate, and competitive electricity costs. These factors create a solid foundation for hosting international data centers and developing digital infrastructure,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, deputy prime minister and head of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development. Authorities are currently selecting the optimal location for the project, prioritizing sites near gas infrastructure to ensure efficient electricity generation and operational reliability. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Kazakhstan’s planned “data center valley” would be located in the northeastern Pavlodar region. Speaking after a government meeting on May 5, Deputy Energy Minister Sungat Yessimkhanov said the first facilities in the cluster are expected to appear as early as next year. According to Yessimkhanov, work is currently underway to formalize land allocations and ensure a stable electricity supply for the centers. “We are directly involved in the overall process. At the first stage, 300 MW will be required, and there are no issues with that volume,” he said. “The first facilities will appear in 2027, and uninterrupted electricity supply will be guaranteed by then.” During the GITEX AI forum, Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry and the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development also signed cooperation memorandums with Ample Solution Limited and Dominor Partners Ltd covering the development of hyperscale data centers in Kazakhstan, including the creation of a specialized cluster combining digital and energy infrastructure. Under the agreements, the parties will cooperate on the development of supporting energy infrastructure, including power generation projects using gas, coal, and renewable energy sources to ensure a stable electricity supply for the data centers. Particular attention will also be given to localizing the production of equipment and technologies to strengthen technological independence and create new opportunities for industrial development. The agreements additionally provide for technology transfer, workforce development, and joint work on digital and energy infrastructure projects, including the Industrial & Digital Energy Hub initiative. According to Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry, the projects are expected to attract investment, support the development of the digital economy, create jobs, and strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as a regional technology and energy hub.

1 month ago

Industrial Accident

Two Killed in Explosion at Industrial Plant in Eastern Kazakhstan

Two people were killed and nine injured in an explosion at a facility operated by Kazzinc in Ust-Kamenogorsk, local authorities and emergency services said. The incident occurred at around 8 a.m. on May 5. According to preliminary information, a dust-collection unit malfunctioned in one of the workshops, followed by a fire and the partial collapse of building structures. Emergency crews from the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan were quickly dispatched to the scene, deploying 10 fire units. “Rescuers are clearing debris and extinguishing remaining fire sources until the situation is fully contained. Search operations for victims are ongoing. According to preliminary information, four people are being transported to medical facilities,” the ministry said. Local health authorities later reported that the number of injured had risen to nine. Three remain in serious condition: two have been hospitalized, while one received resuscitation at the scene. “One of the injured was transported to a medical facility by employees of the enterprise,” the Ust-Kamenogorsk health department said. Following the explosion, thick smoke rose above the plant, prompting specialists from the East Kazakhstan regional Department of Ecology to carry out air quality monitoring at the boundary of the sanitary protection zone. “We deployed a mobile laboratory to the sanitary protection zone first. Measurements have already been taken at two points, and we are now moving to a third point in the northwestern direction from the plant, following the wind,” said department head Aset Suleimenov. He added that four to five locations would be tested, primarily along the direction of the smoke plume. Results will be released later. Authorities subsequently confirmed that two people had died in the incident. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said he had taken the situation under personal control. “This morning I issued the necessary instructions regarding the explosion in Ust-Kamenogorsk. The Ministry of Emergency Situations, environmental authorities, and regional administrations must take all necessary measures and report back to me. This issue will remain under my personal control,” he said at a government meeting. The Kazzinc site in Ust-Kamenogorsk is a major metallurgical complex that includes zinc, lead, and copper production, as well as precious metals refining and sulfuric acid production. Ust-Kamenogorsk is considered one of Kazakhstan’s most environmentally affected cities, where the concentration of metallurgical enterprises frequently leads to air pollution levels exceeding permissible limits. Glencore, a multinational commodity trading and mining company, is a major shareholder in Kazzinc, which was established in 1997. The company is a major producer of zinc, as well as lead, copper, and precious metals.

1 month ago

kazakhstan wind power

China Energy Begins Construction of Major Wind Power Plant in Kazakhstan

Construction has begun on a 500 MW wind power plant in Kazakhstan, with the project being developed by a Kazakh–Chinese joint venture, Karaganda Wind Power LLP. The investment agreement was signed in April 2026, and construction of the facility in the Osakarov district was officially launched later last month, according to regional authorities. The project involves the development of a 500 MW wind farm, with total investment estimated at $645 million. Annual electricity generation is expected to reach around 1.6 billion kWh of green energy, with some earlier estimates placing the figure higher. Commissioning is scheduled for 2029, and the project is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 1.3 million tons per year. “Construction of the station is one of the key strategic initiatives, reflecting the development of green energy, which President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has identified as a priority. This is an important event for the region: new capacity, technologies, and jobs,” said Karaganda region governor Yermaganbet Bulekpayev at the launch ceremony. The project includes the installation of around 60–65 wind turbines near the village of Saryozek, although final technical specifications have not been consistently confirmed. These are expected to be among the largest turbines deployed in Kazakhstan. Around 600 jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase, with permanent positions to follow once the plant becomes operational. “Next-generation wind turbines will be used in this project, and operational processes will be managed using artificial intelligence,” said Kairat Maksutov. The site was selected due to its strong and consistent wind conditions, particularly along the Osakarovka-Saryozek-Telman corridor, where a 150 MW wind project is already in operation. The project forms part of Kazakhstan’s broader push to expand renewable energy capacity, which currently stands at just 7% of its energy mixed. In December last year, China Energy Engineering Group also began construction of a 300 MW solar power plant in the Sauran district of the Turkestan region in southern Kazakhstan. The project, with an investment of about $320 million, is expected to be completed by the end of this year. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, China Energy International Group is also active in the Uzbekistan energy market.

1 month ago

SMEs

Kazakhstan’s SMEs Face Severe Labor Shortage

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kazakhstan have become one of the country’s main sources of employment, but are facing a severe labor shortage, according to a joint report by Mastercard and KPMG. The report identifies workforce shortages as one of the most pressing challenges for SMEs, with nearly half of businesses reporting acute staffing deficits. The main reasons cited are the limited supply of qualified specialists and their high cost. According to the report, SME executives say, “It is difficult to find qualified employees, especially production managers: candidates do not meet requirements, and staff are not motivated to develop, despite high salaries and good working conditions. Scaling up the business requires increasing the number of skilled employees, which is constrained by limited financial resources and labor shortages.” At the same time, 90% of surveyed business leaders say they face high salary expectations from potential employees, which smaller firms struggle to meet. Around 70% of respondents also acknowledge that SMEs are widely perceived as less prestigious places to work. Labor productivity in micro and small businesses remains more than twice as low as in medium and large enterprises. In 2025, a worker in a small business generated an average of about $10,100, compared with $34,300 in medium-sized firms, and the gap continues to widen. Limited access to financing and the high cost of borrowing also remain major constraints for SMEs. Additional factors hindering SME development include an unstable tax and regulatory environment, as well as broader macroeconomic volatility. Despite these challenges, SMEs are a key source of employment in Kazakhstan. Over the past five years, employment in the sector has grown from 40% to 50% of the workforce. Today, around 4.7 million people out of 9.3 million employed nationwide work in SMEs, meaning roughly one in two workers is employed in this segment. According to the report, SME employment has been growing at an average annual rate of 6%, while employment in other sectors has declined by about 3% per year. “The concentration of employment in SMEs makes the labor market vulnerable to tax and regulatory changes: negative shocks in the sector could directly translate into rising unemployment,” the report notes. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, SMEs currently account for about 40% of Kazakhstan’s GDP, a figure that remains below benchmark countries such as Turkey (41%), the United States (44%), and Uzbekistan (52%).

1 month ago

Agriculture

Chinese Firm Eyes Virus-Free Potato Production in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is in discussions with China’s Inner Mongolia Muland Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd over the establishment of a high-tech facility to produce virus-free seed potatoes, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. The proposal was reviewed during a meeting between Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov and the company’s CEO, Wei Jinglong. Virus-free seed potatoes are cultivated using in vitro techniques that eliminate pathogens and diseases, improving varietal purity and significantly boosting yields. Specialists estimate that such methods can increase output by 30-50% compared with conventional seed tubers. Saparov said potato farming remains a strategically important sector of Kazakhstan’s agricultural industry. In 2025, potatoes were planted on 131,000 hectares, with total production reaching 2.8 million tons. “Developing a technologically advanced domestic seed production system is a key priority for the sector. It is about building a sustainable foundation for food security,” Saparov said. He added that expanding biotechnology and scaling up the production of virus-free planting material would help reduce dependence on imports and enhance the competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s domestic breeding programs. At present, 22 specialized farms in Kazakhstan produce original and elite seed potatoes. Biotechnological laboratories, including the Kazakh Research Institute of Fruit and Vegetable Growing, play a crucial role. The Chinese company has expressed interest in building a laboratory and greenhouse complex using advanced technologies to produce micro- and mini-tubers, drawing on its experience implementing similar projects. “The project envisions launching industrial-scale production of high-quality seed material and developing export potential targeting Central Asian markets,” the ministry said. Company representatives indicated they plan to begin implementation in the near term, with the first batch of seed material expected within a year. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that another Chinese firm, Snow Valley Agricultural Group Co. Ltd, is planning to build a deep-processing potato facility in Kazakhstan’s Pavlodar region.

1 month ago

Kazakhstan Develops AI System for Drilling Monitoring with Plans for Export

Kazakhstan has developed a domestically produced AI system for real-time monitoring of drilling operations and plans to promote it in international markets, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov has announced. Speaking at a government meeting on April 28 focused on integrating AI into the economy, Akkenzhenov announced the creation of an AI alliance under the Ministry of Energy. The alliance brings together technology companies, industry participants, and developers to coordinate the deployment of digital solutions, with a priority on local innovations. One of the alliance’s key initiatives is an intelligent drilling monitoring system currently undergoing pilot implementation. According to Akkenzhenov, the system covers more than 4,000 wells and analyzes production data in real time, identifying anomalies and forecasting output levels. The pilot project is being implemented at facilities operated by KazMunayGas and other subsoil users. The deployment is expected to reduce well downtime by up to 20% and generate an estimated economic benefit of around $2.2 million annually. “It is important that the system has been developed in Kazakhstan and has export potential. Work is currently underway to promote it in international markets, including the United States,” Akkenzhenov said. The minister added that AI is also being used to monitor the circulation of petroleum products. The system processes real-time data from oil refineries, storage facilities, the national railway operator Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), and government agencies. This enables more accurate forecasting of fuel reserves and helps identify risks of shortages or excess supply. “The expected outcome is an increase in planning accuracy to 85% and savings of up to $48.4 million annually,” the minister said. The system was developed through cooperation between KazMunayGas and the Kazakh-British Technical University as part of the AI-Sana program aimed at strengthening AI capabilities. According to the ministry, the AI alliance has developed a portfolio of 45 projects, 10 of which are currently under evaluation and preparation for implementation. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had instructed the creation of a specialized artificial intelligence university in Kazakhstan.

1 month ago

Metallurgy

Kazakhstan to Invest Around $174 Million in Non-Ferrous Metallurgy Projects in 2026

Kazakhstan plans to launch eight projects in the non-ferrous metallurgy sector in 2026, with total investments of around $174 million, the Ministry of Industry and Construction has said. According to the ministry, the sector remains one of the key pillars of the national economy, supported by a substantial resource base that includes deposits of copper, zinc, nickel, lead, aluminum, and precious metals. “In 2026, eight projects are expected to be launched with approximately $173.8 million in investments and the creation of more than 1,500 permanent jobs,” the statement said. The projects include the production of cathode copper, copper wire rod, cable products, aluminum powder, and cast rods made of unalloyed aluminum. One project has already been commissioned, a cathode copper production facility in the Karaganda region. The project involved investments of about $17.3 million and created 512 jobs. “In addition, six projects are currently under implementation, including the production of dore alloy, aluminum billets, and profiles. Their launch is expected in 2027–2028, with total investments exceeding $1.1 billion,” the ministry said. According to the ministry, these projects will create more than 800 jobs, including around 140 in rural areas. Additionally, a further 34 projects are at the planning stage, focusing on the production of dore gold and silver, nickel matte, aluminum, tungsten, lead, and zinc. Total investments in these projects are estimated at $14.9 billion, with the potential to create around 17,100 jobs. The largest projects are planned for implementation in the Kostanay, Pavlodar, Karaganda, and Abai regions. Overall, total investments across 48 current and prospective projects amount to approximately $16.2 billion, with plans to create around 19,400 jobs, a significant share of which will be in rural areas. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Kazakhstan’s reserves of rare earth metals may have exceeded previous projections following new geological surveys.

1 month ago

Labor Market

AI in Kazakhstan to Affect Four Million Jobs in Next Decade, Says Labor Ministry

Around half of all professions in Kazakhstan are expected to change under the impact of AI over the next decade, with some jobs declining and others disappearing entirely, lawmakers and government officials have said. Daniya Yespayeva, Deputy Chair of the lower house of parliament, the Mazhilis, citing data from the Ministry of Labor, stated that by 2035, transformations will affect 562 jobs, about 44% of the labor market, equivalent to roughly 4 million workers. According to her, employment in 46 professions, covering around 362,000 people (about 4% of the labor market), is expected to decline, while 14 professions, employing approximately 49,000 people, may disappear completely. Yespayeva did not specify which professions are at greatest risk. However, Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek noted that couriers and taxi drivers could be among the first affected. He said that around 700,000 people in Kazakhstan currently work in these sectors through platforms such as Glovo, Yandex, and Wolt. “These are temporary forms of employment. As early as this year, several Kazakh companies are launching autopilot technologies in both taxi services and delivery, so within a few years, couriers and taxi drivers may no longer be needed,” Nurbek said, urging citizens to focus on more sustainable career paths. Earlier reports indicated that a pilot drone delivery project could be launched in Almaty, while driverless taxis are planned for introduction in Astana. Askhat Aimagambetov, a Mazhilis deputy, also warned about risks facing several popular academic fields. According to him, in 2025, the highest competition for university admissions was in programs such as Translation Studies, International Relations, and Law, fields that, in his view, could be among those most affected by automation. Aimagambetov stressed the need to revise the allocation of state-funded educational grants to avoid encouraging training in professions at high risk of decline. He also noted that employment among young developers aged 22-25 declined by nearly 20% over the past year, despite significant investment in IT education. “We are training an army of coders at a time when AI is already writing code itself. It is no longer enough to train ‘coders of yesterday,’” he said. Nurbek agreed with this assessment, pointing to a shortage of specialists in eight key sectors, including advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, clean energy, finance, life sciences, defense, creative industries, and professional services. According to him, part of the gap is being addressed through private-sector involvement. Kazakhstan has established 75 joint laboratories across 19 universities in partnership with companies such as Amazon Web Services, Cisco, Huawei, Schneider Electric, and Honeywell, as well as Eurasian Resources Group, Freedom Holding, and KEGOC. More than 7,500 students are currently studying in these laboratories across 179 disciplines. Business investment in these initiatives has totaled around $5.2 million, although the minister noted that such efforts remain limited in scope. “If this gap is not addressed, the education system will continue to train specialists for yesterday’s economy,” Nurbek said, emphasizing that aligning education with economic needs has become a matter of national security.

1 month ago

Astana to Host International AI Film Festival

Astana will host the Astana AI Film Festival (AAIFF 2026) this autumn an international event dedicated to films created using artificial intelligence. The festival will focus on the growing influence of AI on the creative industries. Its central feature will be an international competition of short films produced using AI technologies, according to the Creative Industries Alliance of Kazakhstan. Speaking at an awards ceremony for the Alem.ai Battle and AI Governance Cup competitions, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the festival reflects a “fundamental shift” in the development of the creative sector. According to him, AI is transforming the nature of creativity, opening new forms of expression and lowering barriers for creators. At the same time, Tokayev acknowledged more cautious views suggesting that AI could reshape, or even displace, traditional segments of the creative industries. In this context, he stressed the importance of adapting in a timely manner to emerging technological trends. The festival is expected to serve as a platform for showcasing innovative approaches to filmmaking and promoting Kazakh creative projects internationally. Applications for participation are set to open in May. The announcement comes amid broader efforts by Kazakhstan to develop AI. The Times of Central Asia previously reported plans to establish an AI fund backed by the National Bank, aimed at financing key digital projects and educational programs.

1 month ago

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