Kazakhstani companies to take part in Balkhash NPP construction
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Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Energy Agency Almassadam Satkaliyev met in Moscow with Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev, Qazinform News Agency reports.
According to the press service of Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Energy Agency, the sides discussed a wide range of cooperation issues in the development of the nuclear industry, including the implementation of the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant project in Kazakhstan.
Special attention was given to workforce training for the nuclear sector, the development of scientific and technical cooperation, as well as the localization of production and participation of Kazakhstani enterprises in nuclear projects.
We discussed issues related to localization and the involvement of Kazakhstani companies in the construction of this plant, personnel training, and the overall development of long-term cooperation. It is encouraging to note that we have reached a common understanding on all key issues. Basic approaches have been developed that fully meet the interests of our states and reflect the strategic nature of relations between our countries, Satkaliyev said.
The head of Rosatom stressed the importance of comprehensive preparations for the implementation of the Balkhash NPP project, including engineering and environmental-climatic studies of the site.
Almost the entire production program is being carried out. We need at least one year of site monitoring in order to prepare all the necessary reports and implement the project with full consideration of the natural, geological, and weather conditions of this specific location, stated Likhachev.
According to Likhachev, the Balkhash plant project will be developed with consideration of local site characteristics and will be based on Russian nuclear energy technologies.
The sides also reaffirmed their interest in continuing constructive dialogue and further developing cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
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Kazakhstan’s grain exports to Afghanistan rise by 2.3 times
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Kazakhstan exported 11.7 million tons of grain and flour in grain equivalent between September 2025 and May 20, 2026, Qazinform News Agency reports citing the Agriculture Ministry.
According to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, exports grew by 13.6% compared to the same period of the last year (10.3 million tons).
Exports to Uzbekistan rose by 39.5%, from 3.5 million tons to 4.8 million tons, and to Kyrgyzstan by 1.5 times, from 297,000 tons to 457,000 tons. Grain deliveries to Afghanistan surged by 2.3 times, from 1.3 million tons to 3 million tons, and Turkmenistan by 47.7%, from 130,000 tons to 192,000 tons.
Officials noted that the positive trend reflects strong foreign demand for Kazakh grain, effective measures to improve export logistics and expansion of trade and economic cooperation with international partners.
Noteworthy, in 2025, Kazakhstan’s agricultural exports to Spain doubled, with grain, legumes, and essential oils making up the bulk of shipments.
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Kazakhstan sows nearly 9 mln ha of crops
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According to operational data from regional akimats, spring fieldwork is continuing across Kazakhstan, with 8.9 million ha of agricultural crops sown so far, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Ministry of Agriculture.
Grain crops make up the largest share of the planted area at 5.5 million ha, followed by oilseed crops with 2.3 million ha and fodder crops with 642,000 ha. Other crops include cotton (166,000 ha), vegetables (102,000 ha), melons and gourds (77,000 ha), potatoes (93,000 ha), and sugar beet (22,000 ha).
The sowing campaign is progressing actively across Kazakhstan’s key grain-producing regions, with 2 million ha already planted in Akmola region and 1.3 million ha each in Kostanay and North Kazakhstan regions.
Strong progress is also being seen in Kazakhstan’s southern and southeastern regions, where spring fieldwork is nearing completion. Sowing operations have reached 98.1% in Zhambyl region, 97.5% in Zhetysu region, and 96.1% in Almaty region.
Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector is backed by a large fleet of machinery, including 133,900 tractors, around 5,600 high-performance seeding complexes, 71,400 seeders, and 188,500 tillage machines, while technical support for farmers is provided through a nationwide network of 70 service centers.
One of the key priorities in preparing and carrying out the sowing campaign remains ensuring access to mineral fertilizers for agricultural producers.
For 2026, the planned fertilizer application volume is set at 2.3 million tons. According to regional authorities, contracts have already been signed for the supply of 1.4 million tons, while 1.2 million tons have already been delivered.
To improve fertilizer affordability for farmers, regional budgets have allocated 56.3 billion tenge in 2026 for fertilizer subsidies.
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Kazakhstan and Pfizer Discussed the Implementation of an Investment Project in the Healthcare Sector
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First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashykbayev held a meeting with Dmitriy Kozenkov, General Director of "Pfizer Kazakhstan" LLP and Head of Pfizer’s subcluster in Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Caucasus, and Mongolia (CauCAR). Representatives of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan also took part in the meeting, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues related to the implementation of Pfizer’s investment project in Kazakhstan.
The First Deputy Minister noted that Pfizer is one of Kazakhstan’s key international partners in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. In this regard, the importance of ensuring predictable and favorable conditions for the implementation of investment projects in the medical field was emphasized.
The parties confirmed their interest in continuing constructive cooperation on the development of partnership and ensuring access to modern medical solutions.
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Kazakhstan and the UAE Strengthen Cooperation in Aviation and Investment
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Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United Arab Emirates, Rauan Zhumabek, held a meeting with His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Chairman of Dubai Holding and Dubai Airports, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and future prospects for the development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the UAE, including collaboration in the fields of aviation, transport, logistics, tourism, investment, and infrastructure development.
The interlocutors noted that bilateral relations continue to demonstrate a high level of strategic partnership and are developing dynamically owing to the active political dialogue and regular high-level engagements between the two countries. The parties underscored the importance of continuing joint efforts aimed at expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation.
The Kazakh diplomat particularly highlighted the significant contribution of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum to the transformation of Dubai into one of the world’s leading aviation, transport, and business hubs. Under his leadership, Emirates Group has become one of the global leaders in the aviation industry, while Dubai International Airport has evolved into the world’s largest international aviation hub.
The parties also exchanged views on further strengthening business ties and expanding cooperation between Kazakh and Emirati companies.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in maintaining a constructive dialogue and further advancing the mutually beneficial partnership between Kazakhstan and the UAE.
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Kazakhstan-Norway mutual trade hits USD 170 mln
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At the second meeting of the Kazakhstan-Norway Business Council, Kazakh Ambassador to Norway Adil Tursunov announced the growing business interest between the two nations, Qazinform News Agency reports.
He emphasized the Kazakhstan-Norway Business Council is held for the first time in Kazakhstan.
The Business Council was established in December 2024 under an agreement concluded between Kazakhstan’s Foreign Trade Chamber and Norway’s Eastern Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The first meeting took place in Oslo in 2025.
For the first time in bilateral history, a specialized institutional platform now unites business circles of both nations.
Mutual trade between the two nations reached 170 million US dollars in 2025.
He highlighted more Norwegian companies are exploring Kazakhstan as a promising market, including Wilhelmsen, Wellpartner, Gexcon, Optimar, and seafood producers.
Kazakhstan’s Embassy in Norway is promoting investment projects in mining, manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy.
Participation from Kazakh companies has grown significantly: fewer than 10 attended the first council meeting, while many more joined the second, reflecting rising interest in cooperation with Norwegian partners.
Beyond economics, Kazakhstan and Norway share historical, sporting, and humanitarian ties.
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Construction of Waste Processing Plant in Almaty to Begin on May 29
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Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting with Dai Daoguo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hunan Junxin Environmental Protection Co., Ltd, one of China’s leading companies in waste-to-energy processing with experience implementing large-scale projects in China and Central Asia, primeminister.kz reports.
The meeting continued the dialogue held earlier, following which an investment agreement was signed on energy utilization of waste in Almaty. The progress of the joint investment project was discussed: the total investment amounts to 145.5 billion tenge.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov emphasized the importance of the project being implemented, noting that one of the priorities enshrined in the new Constitution of Kazakhstan is environmental protection. In this regard, the Government faces the task of implementing real projects aimed at ecological modernization through attracting investments and advanced technologies.
The leaders of our countries - President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping - are creating good opportunities for us to develop economic relations. The People’s Republic of China is one of our key trade and economic partners. We welcome the entry of Hunan Company into the Kazakh market and are ready to provide comprehensive assistance and support for joint projects. During our meeting last year, a good impetus was given to this important project for the country," Olzhas Bektenov noted.
Chairman of the Board of Directors Dai Daoguo announced that construction will begin on May 29 this year. The facility is scheduled to be commissioned within two years. The project provides for the introduction of a more modern model of municipal solid waste management - with subsequent conversion into electricity. The launch of the plant will contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 200 thousand tons per year, saving about 800 thousand cubic meters of landfill volume annually, and stable generation of "green" energy. The enterprise will be able to process up to 2,000 tons of waste per day and generate up to 60 MW of electricity. At the construction stage, it is planned to create at least 700 temporary jobs, and after the launch of the plant - 120 permanent jobs.
We are confident that we will complete all our work within two years. We know that the President of Kazakhstan and the Government are currently carrying out extensive work related to the ‘green’ development of the country. We strive and work to become a major project that will truly contribute to the ‘green’ development of Kazakhstan and the attraction of investments," Chairman of the Board of Directors Dai Daoguo noted.
The project also provides for the creation of three "green" centers that will ensure reliable electricity supply, the use of energy for digital solutions, and the supply of clean heat for industrial consumers and urban needs during the winter period. In addition, it is planned to establish three bases aimed at introducing technologies, localizing the production of spare parts, training local specialists, and improving environmental culture.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov instructed the relevant state bodies to ensure further support for the project for its timely commissioning.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and William Ruto address Kazakhstan-Kenya Business Forum
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Addressing the Kazakhstan-Kenya Business Forum on Wednesday, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that relations between the two countries are experiencing a significant upswing, underpinned by political will and a mutual desire to strengthen bilateral ties, Qazinform News Agency cites the Akorda press service.
During productive and substantive talks with President William Ruto, we confirmed our shared commitment to deepening mutually beneficial cooperation across a wide range of sectors and identified new areas of partnership. I am optimistic that the intensification of economic ties will become a reality in the very near future," the President of Kazakhstan said.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed several initiatives to expand economic partnership.
It is necessary to establish a Kazakhstan-Kenya Business Council, which should become a specialized platform for strengthening dialogue in trade and investment. Organizing regular trade missions will help companies identify growth drivers directly on the ground. The appointment of an Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Kenya as a business liaison will help enhance practical cooperation between entrepreneurs of our countries. It is also proposed to create an expert group to identify promising ways to improve transport and logistics infrastructure. I am confident that implementing these measures will create a solid foundation for the speedy establishment of an Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation at the ministerial level. We also agreed to send a group of business representatives to Kenya to study their experiences in doing business," the Head of State said.
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