Tokayev, Guterres Inaugurate UN Regional SDG Center in Almaty

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres signed a host country agreement on Aug. 3 to establish the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty, the Akorda press service reported.

The signing ceremony marked a significant milestone in Kazakhstan’s partnership with the UN and its role in advancing sustainable development across the region.

Guterres’ visit to Kazakhstan comes ahead of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. During the meeting, President Tokayev expressed gratitude to Guterres for prioritizing the visit to Kazakhstan despite his busy schedule. 

“The arrival of the high-ranking guest, despite his busy schedule ahead of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, holds special significance for our country and underscores the UN’s commitment to sustainable development goals,” Tokayev said.

He emphasized that the opening of the first SDG Center in Central Asia is a milestone achievement for the entire region.

“On behalf of myself and the people of Kazakhstan, I express sincere gratitude to you and your team for your unwavering support of this initiative. I also highly appreciate your timely and forward-thinking UN80 initiative. Kazakhstan fully supports your efforts to reform the UN and shares your priorities. In this regard, I reaffirm Kazakhstan’s steadfast commitment to the fundamental principles of multilateralism, diplomacy, and cooperation that underpin the work of the UN,” Tokayev said.

Guterres thanked President Tokayev for the warm welcome and acknowledged Kazakhstan’s role in promoting international cooperation and sustainable development. 

“Kazakhstan is a symbol of peace, dialogue, and a bridge builder and an honest broker in many circumstances. Starting by your historic decision to abandon nuclear weapons a few decades ago. It was a remarkable example to the world. When people talk about the clashes of civilizations, the truth is that Kazakhstan demonstrated through Kazakhstan itself and especially through your initiatives that there is hope for dialogue and cooperation of people of different religions, of different cultures. You have always been a center, spreading this message of bringing people together,” Guterres said.

According to a video of the meeting released by Akorda, Guterres noted that his visit is not only about signing the host country agreement but also about giving global visibility to “a very important project.”

The meeting also addressed the future activities of the UN Regional Center for Central Asia and Afghanistan, prospects for UN reform, and key issues on the international and regional agenda.

UN Regional SDG Center in Almaty Aims to Strengthen Regional Resilience and Cooperation

The newly launched UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty will serve as a catalyst for coordinated action in making economies resilient and vibrant, enhancing regional innovation, and fostering deeper cooperation, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during a visit to the center with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Aug. 3, reported Akorda.

According to Tokayev, there will be no overlapping functions and duties between this center and other institutions in the region or beyond. Instead, it will complement the existing efforts, adding value through its regional focus on the needs of the people across the broader region.

He emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration to address shared challenges, such as the environmental degradation of the Aral Sea and the shrinking of the Caspian Sea.

Tokayev announced that Kazakhstan will host a Regional Environment Summit in Astana in April 2026 in partnership with UN agencies. He also reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to supporting Afghanistan through humanitarian assistance, educational projects, trade and food security initiatives.

“We will also be placing priority on further digitalization and artificial intelligence, as well as building diversified transport infrastructure to make Kazakhstan a truly Eurasian hub of international cargo trade,” he stated.

Guterres welcomed the center’s launch on the eve of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, set to take place in Turkmenistan. He praised Kazakhstan’s growing role in global logistics and connectivity.

“Kazakhstan is no longer a landlocked country,” he said. “This country is really a bridge. A bridge from East and West, the North and South.”

He also commended Kazakhstan’s internal reforms and international contributions, calling the country “a symbol of wisdom, a bridge builder, and a messenger of peace.”

“I will never forget that Kazakhstan renounced its nuclear weapons and, through that decision, became a symbol of peace and disarmament – something that is more necessary today than ever. Kazakhstan has always been a voice of reason in a world where, unfortunately, reason itself is struggling to be heard,” he concluded.

Kazakhstan, Türkiye Advance Strategic Partnership at High-Level Talks in Ankara

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met in Ankara on July 29 to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation and co-chaired the fifth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, reported the Akorda press service.

During the narrow-format talks, the two leaders discussed ways to deepen the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Türkiye, with particular emphasis on expanding trade, economic, investment, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation. 

Tokayev expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, while Erdoğan reaffirmed his commitment to advancing relations between the two countries to a new level.

Strengthening strategic partnership

During the fifth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council of Kazakhstan and Türkiye, Tokayev emphasized that cooperation between Kazakhstan and Türkiye, rooted in shared historical and cultural values, continues to grow within the framework of their enhanced strategic partnership.

“We are committed to continuing on this path and elevating our relations to a new level. An extensive legal framework already exists between our countries, including more than 60 agreements and treaties. Today, we will sign several more bilateral agreements,” said Tokayev.

Trade was a key focus of the meeting. Bilateral trade turnover reached $5 billion in 2024, and Tokayev said Kazakhstan is prepared to supply 34 categories of products worth $1 billion to the Turkish market. He also stressed the importance of diversifying Turkish exports.

He noted that approximately 4,000 Turkish companies currently operate in Kazakhstan, implementing projects worth $6 billion in energy, construction, agriculture, infrastructure, medicine, and tourism. Kazakh investments in Türkiye have exceeded $2.5 billion.

Tokayev called for greater cooperation in logistics and transport, particularly in developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, and welcomed Turkish investments in railways, dry ports, cargo terminals, and shipbuilding.

“We welcome Türkiye’s companies to participate in long-term strategic projects. Our countries’ geographic position offers significant transit potential. Around 85% of overland trade between Europe and China moves through Kazakhstan. We are modernizing railways, building new roads, and updating the Caspian Sea infrastructure. Our government is ready to provide preferential terms to Turkish entrepreneurs,” he said.

The Council also addressed energy cooperation, including plans to increase Kazakh oil exports via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. 

Tokayev invited Turkish companies to participate in energy projects aimed at reducing electricity shortages and noted cooperation between KazMunayGas and Turkish Petroleum.

He added that Kazakhstan’s new tax code features a royalty regime designed to encourage deep processing of raw materials and called on Turkish investors to establish a joint fund for mining and natural resource development.

Agricultural cooperation was another key topic. Türkiye is a major destination for Kazakhstan’s agricultural exports, receiving a quarter of its grain, one-third of its cotton, and 26% of its gluten. Bilateral collaboration continues to grow, with 23 joint agricultural projects totaling $1.3 billion currently in development across Kazakhstan, 18 of which are operational.

Broader cooperation across sectors

The two countries also discussed opportunities in defense, information technology, artificial intelligence, finance, civil aviation, education, culture, healthcare, and tourism.

Regarding education, Tokayev announced that two Maarif Foundation schools will open in Astana and Almaty. He also noted that top Turkish universities plan to open branches in Kazakhstan, and construction has begun on a new school in Türkiye’s Gaziantep Province, a region hit by a devastating earthquake.

To enhance tourism and business ties, Kazakhstan announced a 90-day visa-free regime for Turkish citizens.

He also exchanged views on global issues and emphasized the importance of peaceful conflict resolution. Tokayev praised Erdoğan’s diplomatic efforts in the Russia–Ukraine conflict and voiced support for United Nations reform.

“Kazakhstan and Türkiye share a common stance on the need to reform the United Nations and preserve the territorial integrity of all nations. We highly value our cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States and will continue working together for global peace and security,” said Tokayev. 

Erdoğan welcomed the Kazakh delegation, referring to Kazakhstan as Türkiye’s “second homeland,” and congratulated the Kazakh people on the 180th anniversary of the poet Abai Kunanbaiuly.

“We attach great importance to our partnership with Kazakhstan. We are committed to deepening this dynamic across key sectors such as trade, defense, agriculture, tourism, and culture. Kazakhstan stands among our largest trading partners, and we aim to boost our trade turnover to $15 billion,” said Erdoğan.

Declarations and state honor

The two leaders signed a joint declaration and 18 intergovernmental and interagency agreements following the talks.

Tokayev received Türkiye’s highest state honor, the Devlet Nişanı. He called the recognition a “great honor” and a testament to the deep friendship between the two nations.

“I have previously declined both domestic and international awards, but your gesture today holds special significance. This award reflects Türkiye’s respect for the Kazakh people and reaffirms our enduring friendship, built on shared heritage, faith, and culture,” said Tokayev. 

Kazakhstan Expands Investor Services at Astana Financial Center

Kazakhstan’s Investment Committee and Kazakh Invest national company launched a joint front office at the Astana International Financial Centre’s (AIFC) Expat Centre on July 30 to enhance state support for foreign investors and streamline access to government services.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, services available at the office include visa support, guidance on investment contracts, assistance with long-term residence permits, including the “golden visa,” and consultations on state incentives and regulatory procedures. The center operates in English and follows a one-stop-shop model tailored for the needs of foreign investors and specialists.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance Kazakhstan’s investment climate by centralizing essential government services in one location, making them more accessible to international businesses. Operated by the AIFC Expat Centre, the front office brings together the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Investment Committee and the Kazakh Invest national company.

“We view the AIFC Expat Centre as an effective platform for consolidating government services aimed at supporting investors. The launch of a joint front office with Kazakh Invest will provide more convenient and efficient access to key services – from visa support to consultations on investment contracts,” said Gabidulla Ospankulov, the chair of the Investment Committee. 

The initiative is expected to enhance the investor journey in Kazakhstan from initial entry to project execution and reinforce the country’s long-term commitment to a transparent and investor-friendly ecosystem.

Kazakhstan Reports Industrial Growth, 47 Projects Already Implemented

Of 190 projects worth nearly 1.5 trillion tenge (US$2.7 billion) planned for this year, Kazakhstan has implemented 47 valued at 196 billion tenge (US$360.4 million), creating over 3,000 jobs, First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar said at a July 31 media briefing, reported the Prime Minister’s press service.

In the industrial sector, production in the first half of the year increased by 6.5% to 28.9 trillion tenge (approximately US$53.1 billion). The manufacturing sector accounted for 13.7 trillion tenge (approximately US$25.1 billion), which is 5.5% higher than in the previous year, contributing 12.4% to the country’s GDP.

Growth was achieved in mechanical engineering (+11.1%), the chemical industry (+7%), production of building materials (+8.6%), and food products (+10%).

The oil and gas sector produced 7.6 million tons of oil products and aims to deliver 62 billion cubic meters of gas by year-end. The 302-kilometer-long Taldykorgan-Usharal main gas pipeline is set to launch in September, supplying over 60 settlements. Petrochemical output reached 380,000 tons, up 12.7% from last year.

In the energy sector, electricity generation rose 3.3% to 62.2 billion kilowatt-hours. Kazakhstan plans to add nearly 6,700 megawatts (MW) of new generation capacity by 2028, including 620 MW of traditional and alternative generation this year.

Since the beginning of 2025, 71 investment projects worth approximately $60 billion have been reviewed by the Investment Headquarters. The national digital investment platform currently has 1,106 projects worth more than 77 trillion tenge (US$141.5 billion).

Additionally, Kazakhstan plans to purchase 175 new passenger carriages by the end of the year.

AIFC Reports Mid-Year Results With $2.6 Billion Investment Growth

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) attracted $2.6 billion in investments in the first half of 2025, bringing its total investment volume to more than $16.9 billion, reported the AIFC’s press service on July 28.

During the same period, 567 new companies joined the AIFC ecosystem, including four fintech firms, five Ancillary Service Providers, and seven companies with financial licenses. The total number of registered participants now stands at 4,030, representing 85 countries.

AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov said entrepreneurs worldwide are increasingly choosing the AIFC to establish and expand their businesses. He cited the wave of new company registrations, the redomiciliation of a significant holding, and fresh listings on the Astana International Exchange (AIX) as proof of growing interest.

Participants contributed over 70 billion tenge (US$128 million) to the state budget in the first quarter, according to preliminary data.

AIX trading turnover reached $729 million in the first six months of 2025, up 3.2% from the same period in 2024. The number of new listings nearly doubled, with 86 new securities listed between January and June. A total of 301 securities from 165 issuers are now listed on the exchange. Capital raised on AIX reached $8.9 billion since its launch, including $1.9 billion in the first half of 2025.

The exchange now includes 56 trading members from Kazakhstan, China, Europe, and the Middle East. Five joined in 2025. Ten global custodians hold sub-accounts with the AIX Central Securities Depository, which has registered more than 2.2 million retail investor accounts.

AIX became one of only nine exchanges globally accredited to trade International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC). The first trade was completed between Samruk-Green Energy and UK-based Valor Carbon. In June, Bank CenterCredit became the first Kazakh bank to purchase I-REC certificates through the AIX.

In April, the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) adopted new rules on money service providers to align with global fintech standards. The regulation expands coverage of monetary services, introduces new digital asset models, and enhances client protection and cybersecurity.

AFSA also joined the I-SCAN initiative under IOSCO, a global information-sharing network for securities regulators. It issued Kazakhstan’s first license for fiat-backed stablecoins to AnchorX.KZ Limited, enabling it to operate as a regulated digital payment provider.

In May, the Aktobe Social-Entrepreneurship Corporation received a Second-Party Opinion from the AIFC Green Finance Centre for its upcoming social bond—the first ESG-themed bond to be issued by a social enterprise in Kazakhstan.

By June, the AIFC Court and International Arbitration Centre had resolved 3,961 cases, comprising 189 court judgments, 3,772 arbitration awards, and 1,800 mediated agreements. Cases covered construction contracts, PPP projects, finance, real estate and more. Investors from 34 countries have used the court, which now includes 789 registered lawyers from 39 jurisdictions.

Dimash to Become First Kazakh Artist to Headline Madison Square Garden

World-renowned Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen will perform a solo concert at Madison Square Garden in New York on Oct. 5, becoming the first artist from Kazakhstan and near abroad to headline the iconic venue.

Qudaibergen announced the news on his Instagram, revealing that the performance will be part of his world tour, Stranger, and will feature a specially curated program for the New York audience.

Celebrated for his neoclassical style and extraordinary vocal range, Qudaibergen is not only a singer but also a composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He was recently awarded the title of People’s Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic and performed with legendary Spanish tenor Plácido Domingo and Latvian soprano Kristine Opolais at Vietnam’s prestigious A Night with the Stars concert.

This landmark performance at Madison Square Garden marks a significant milestone not just for Qudaibergen’s career but for Eurasian music on the global stage.

Kazakh Opera Singer Wins Top Prize at International Competition in Italy

Kazakh soprano Aigerim Altynbek became the first representative from Central Asia to win the International Opera Competition CLIP 2025 in Italy, reported the Ministry of Culture and Information on July 28.

Altynbek received multiple honors, including first prize, the Audience Award, Best Female Voice, and the Critics’ Award.

“In the entire history of the competition, Aigerim Altynbek was ranked first by all jury members from the very beginning — an extremely rare occurrence that only reinforces the audience’s decision to award her the Emotion Prize,” said jury chair Domenic Meyer. 

The competition received 200 applications worldwide, with only 10 singers advancing to the final. The finalists performed in a gala concert accompanied by the Teatro Carlo Felice orchestra in Portofino’s central square.

Altynbek received the Best Female Voice award from the Ibáñez-Atkinson Foundation in Chile, which supports emerging vocalists worldwide. The foundation collaborates with major opera houses and runs a youth program with the Santiago Opera House.

“This marks the first time the foundation has chosen to support a non-European singer in South America, providing Altynbek with a professional recommendation and an invitation for further collaboration. It is a significant step in expanding the Kazakh artist’s international career beyond Europe,” reads the statement.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Altynbek in a telegram following her win.

“Your achievement, which showcased Kazakhstan’s culture to the world and earned recognition from international experts, is of great significance. You have represented our country and national art with honor on the global stage, I am confident that even greater accomplishments await you in the future,” wrote Tokayev.