• KZT/USD = 0.00213
  • TJS/USD = 0.10810
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008
  • TMT/USD = 0.29760
  • KZT/USD = 0.00213
  • TJS/USD = 0.10810
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008
  • TMT/USD = 0.29760
  • KZT/USD = 0.00213
  • TJS/USD = 0.10810
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008
  • TMT/USD = 0.29760
  • KZT/USD = 0.00213
  • TJS/USD = 0.10810
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008
  • TMT/USD = 0.29760
  • KZT/USD = 0.00213
  • TJS/USD = 0.10810
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008
  • TMT/USD = 0.29760
  • KZT/USD = 0.00213
  • TJS/USD = 0.10810
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008
  • TMT/USD = 0.29760
  • KZT/USD = 0.00213
  • TJS/USD = 0.10810
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008
  • TMT/USD = 0.29760
  • KZT/USD = 0.00213
  • TJS/USD = 0.10810
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008
  • TMT/USD = 0.29760
08 August 2026

Our People > Dmitry Pokidaev

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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

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 months ago

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 months ago

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.

2 months ago

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.

2 months ago

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.

2 months ago

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.

2 months ago

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...

2 months ago

Kazakhstan Central Bank Chief Sees No Pressure on Tenge After Rate Cut

Kazakhstan’s central bank governor has sought to calm concerns over the tenge after the National Bank cut its base rate for the first time since October 2025, saying demand for local-currency assets should remain stable despite lower returns. The National Bank of Kazakhstan lowered its base rate to 17% from 18% on June 5, citing slowing inflation and an improved economic outlook. The decision was based on updated assessments of inflation risks and key macroeconomic indicators, the bank said. Annual inflation slowed to 10.4% in May from a peak of 12.9% recorded in September last year. The central bank also raised its oil price assumption for the remainder of 2026 to $90 per barrel for Brent crude. National Bank Governor Timur Suleimenov said the rate cut would lower returns on tenge-denominated deposits but would not trigger a significant shift into foreign-currency assets. “Interest rates on tenge deposits remain substantially higher than returns on foreign-currency deposits,” Suleimenov told reporters. “A one-percentage-point reduction will not fundamentally change the attractiveness of deposits or other tenge-denominated assets such as corporate bonds and government securities.” Suleimenov said demand for local-currency assets is expected to remain stable, limiting pressure on the exchange rate. He acknowledged that the tenge could face seasonal pressure during the summer because of increased demand for foreign currency linked to overseas travel and dividend payments by Kazakhstani companies listed on international exchanges. However, he said Kazakhstan’s economic fundamentals remain supportive of the national currency. “Oil prices are rising, while metal prices have increased by an average of around 17%, with some commodities gaining as much as 40%,” Suleimenov said. “If there are no major external shocks, I see no reason for any significant weakening of the tenge.” The central bank also revised its inflation forecast for 2026 downward to a range of 9%-11%, compared with a previous estimate of 9.5%-11.5%. Its inflation forecast for 2027 remains unchanged at 5.5%-7.5%. Suleimenov said the bank expects inflation to approach its long-term target of 5% by 2028 as external inflationary pressures ease and government and central bank measures take effect. “The slowdown in inflation during April and May gave us room to lower the base rate,” he said. “But it would be premature to say inflation has been defeated. Future decisions will depend on incoming data and our assessment of risks.” The official exchange rate stood at 487.4 tenge per U.S. dollar on June 7. The outlook remains cautious. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, S&P Global Ratings forecast that the tenge would average around 540 per dollar in 2026, reflecting expectations of a weaker currency over the medium term.

2 months ago

Kazakhstan Eyes Cyprus as Middle Corridor Link to Mediterranean

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has invited Cyprus to participate in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, seeking to strengthen trade links between Central Asia and the Mediterranean through one of Eurasia’s fastest-growing trade routes. The proposal was made during talks with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, who paid an official visit to Kazakhstan. The TITR, also known as the Middle Corridor, connects China and Europe through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, the South Caucasus, and Turkey. The route is approximately 3,000 kilometers shorter than the traditional northern route through Russia and currently allows cargo to travel from China to Europe in 10 to 15 days, compared with roughly twice that time via the northern corridor and up to 60 days by sea. “Cyprus is a world-class maritime hub, and the Middle Corridor creates significant opportunities to effectively connect Kazakhstan’s land transport infrastructure with Cyprus’s maritime infrastructure,” Tokayev said during a joint press briefing following the talks. According to Tokayev, such cooperation could help establish a new multimodal logistics network linking Central Asia, the Caspian region, and the Mediterranean while supporting growth in bilateral trade. The two leaders discussed expanding trade and investment ties, as well as strengthening business cooperation between the two countries. Tokayev said he had proposed developing a roadmap for bilateral economic cooperation and establishing an intergovernmental commission and business council to facilitate joint projects and increase commercial exchanges. He identified logistics, finance, tourism, and digital technologies as key areas for future cooperation, adding that Cyprus has expressed interest in Kazakhstan’s e-government platform and digital public services. Kazakhstan, he said, is ready to share its experience in those areas. More than 400 companies with Cypriot capital currently operate in Kazakhstan, including around 30 registered with the Astana International Financial Centre, according to Tokayev. Kazakhstan is prepared to create favorable conditions for Cypriot businesses interested in entering its market, he added. Speaking at a Kazakhstan-Cyprus business forum following the presidential talks, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said Cyprus had invested more than $5 billion in Kazakhstan since 2005, with nearly half of that amount invested during the past five years. Bektenov said both countries occupy strategic positions along trade routes linking Europe and Asia. He suggested Cyprus could serve as a regional logistics hub in the eastern Mediterranean, complementing Kazakhstan’s role as a transit gateway between China and Europe. He also highlighted new direct flights between Astana and Larnaca, which began on June 2, and Almaty and Larnaca, which began on June 4, saying the routes would improve passenger travel and cargo links. The visit also carries a wider diplomatic context as it coincided with the inauguration of Cyprus’s embassy in Astana, its first in Central Asia, and comes amid continued sensitivity in Turkey over the Cyprus issue. Ankara has denied reports that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan canceled a planned visit to Kazakhstan because of Christodoulides’ trip. The episode follows Tokayev’s recent effort to describe the Organization of Turkic States as a forum for cooperation rather than a military alliance,...

2 months ago

Financial Analyst Says Kazakhstan’s State Data Centers Are Priced Beyond Reach of Businesses

The cost of services offered by state-backed data centers in Kazakhstan is too high for many businesses, making overseas cloud providers a more economical alternative, financial analyst Rasul Rysmambetov said. His comments come as Kazakhstan invests heavily in digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence technologies. Last year, the country launched what authorities described as Central Asia’s most powerful supercomputer, saying its capacity would be made available to startups, universities, and private companies developing AI solutions. The government has also announced plans to create a Data Center Valley in the northeastern Pavlodar Region to support the digitalization of the economy. However, Rysmambetov argued that the pricing of state-supported data centers limits their appeal to the private sector. “A real digital economy is built on microservices, not giant buildings filled with computers,” Rysmambetov told the Atameken Business Forum. “Data centers depreciate at a tremendous pace. Today, state data centers in Kazakhstan charge prices so high that, as a financier, it is far cheaper and easier for me to buy cloud capacity directly in California.” Rysmambetov said that despite economic growth and rising foreign investment, many Kazakhstanis have yet to see significant improvements in living standards. In his view, the key challenge is not attracting investment but converting it into jobs and productive industries. He also argued that traditional investment incentives are losing effectiveness. “Tax breaks, subsidies, and state support measures no longer create a competitive advantage. Instead, they often generate a dangerous environment for corruption,” he said. “What matters today is the quality of institutions and the speed of decision-making.” According to Rysmambetov, Kazakhstan’s investor support system remains fragmented, with multiple agencies performing overlapping functions while coordination between central and regional authorities remains weak. As a result, some government directives are not implemented locally, requiring intervention by prosecutors to protect investors’ rights. Rysmambetov identified rare earth metals and tungsten as among the sectors attracting the greatest investor interest. However, he warned that Kazakhstan risks repeating the resource-dependent model that characterized its oil industry if it focuses primarily on exporting raw materials rather than developing domestic processing industries. “Foreign investors do not create growth, they join it,” he said. “Investors see a functioning economic model, recognize an opportunity, and participate in it. But if we ourselves do not believe in our development strategy, nobody from outside will come.” Kazakhstan aims to attract $62.7 billion in investment this year, including $25.5 billion from foreign investors, as part of its economic development strategy.

2 months ago