Kazakhstan’s economy is entering a new phase of growth. By the end of 2025, the country’s gross domestic product is projected to exceed $300 billion for the first time, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced at a national award ceremony for the Altyn Sapa, Paryz, and Best Product of Kazakhstan prizes.

Over the past decade, Kazakhstan’s GDP has shown consistent growth in absolute terms, with the exception of the pandemic year of 2020, when the economy contracted to $171.1 billion. Since then, the country has reached new historical highs each year, from $197.1 billion in 2021 to $288.41 billion in 2024. In 2025, growth is expected to reach a record level.The president noted that, over the past five years, growth in the real sector has become noticeably more balanced. Gross value added in the manufacturing industry increased by 25 percent, outpacing growth in the extractive sector.

“Economic growth is expected to exceed 6% this year,” Tokayev said. “Moreover, GDP is projected to exceed $300 billion for the first time”

The president highlighted that, over the past five years, growth in the real sector has become noticeably more balanced. Gross value added in the manufacturing industry increased by 25%, outpacing the growth of the extractive sector.

Investments in fixed capital grew by 70% over the same period, and labor productivity rose by 40%. As a result, non-resource exports doubled, the number of exporters tripled, and the geography of supply expanded to 140 countries.

According to Tokayev, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) now account for 40% of GDP and remain one of the most dynamic segments of the economy.

“Over the past five years, the number of SMEs has increased by 1.5 times, and their output by 2.5 times. Today, 4.5 million people work in the business sector, almost half of the country’s employed population,” the president said.

Tokayev also placed particular emphasis on the finalization of certain provisions in the new Tax Code, which is set to take effect in 2026.

The president acknowledged that he had received a large number of appeals from entrepreneurs and instructed the government to carefully review the most problematic provisions.

“It is important to understand that the sustainable development of entrepreneurship is based on the fulfillment of mutual obligations: the state creates the climate, and businesses pay taxes. The government must find a reasonable balance, there is no other option,” he stated.

The president also called for continued development of the country’s digital business ecosystem to enhance transparency and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

Kazakhstan plans to significantly increase investment in its economy over the next five years, with the goal of nearly tripling its volume by 2029.

Kazakhstan is strengthening its cooperation with European aerospace firms and preparing to modernize its civil aviation fleet. In Paris, during the Kazakh-French Business Council and the 16th Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, a memorandum was signed for the delivery of Airbus A320neo aircraft.

The document was signed by Talgat Lastayev, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Transport. The agreement provides for the delivery of 25 A320neo aircraft, with an option to expand the order by another 25 units.

The A320neo is an upgraded version of the widely used narrow-body Airbus A320. The abbreviation “neo” (New Engine Option) refers to its modern engines, which reduce fuel consumption by 15% and operating costs by 8%. The aircraft also offers a 10% reduction in emissions and lower noise levels compared to the classic A320 series.

“During the meeting between Talgat Lastayev and Airbus Vice President Charbel Youzkatli, the delivery schedule, currently set for 2031 and the possibility of acceleration were discussed. In addition,. In addition, the Deputy Minister raised the issue of establishing a joint aviation training center and expanding aircraft leasing cooperation,” the Ministry of Transport said in a statement.

Additional areas of cooperation with international partners were also discussed. These included airport infrastructure upgrades with TAV Airports and expanded industrial collaboration with Alstom. The delegation also raised the restoration of direct flights between Paris and Astana and the potential launch of a new route between Shymkent and Nice.

The Kazakh delegation, led by Lastayev, also met with the leadership of the French National Civil Aviation School (ENAC), including Director-General Olivier Chansou and Deputy Director General Nicolas Cazalis. Talks centered on creating a European-level regional aviation training center in Astana, which is expected to become a key piece of infrastructure for training aviation professionals across Central Asia.

“The presence of such a training center in Kazakhstan will reduce the sector’s dependence on foreign training institutions and ensure the development of skilled professionals domestically. Cooperation will focus on the systematic training of local personnel and the exchange of international experience,” the Ministry stated.

According to the Ministry of Transport, Kazakhstan’s aviation industry needs 500-600 new specialists each year, including pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and ground handling personnel. However, the country’s current training institutions do not meet the European standards set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

ENAC is the only aviation education institution globally that meets the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), EASA, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Airports Council International (ACI). Founded in 1946 in Toulouse, the school now partners with over 117 countries and offers more than 350 educational and professional development programs.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is actively expanding its international air routes. Following the C5+1 working group conference on civil aviation held in August this year, new international routes were launched and flight frequencies to China and Uzbekistan increased.