Kazakhstan Underlines Stable Investment Haven with Progressive Economic Policies
In a bid to diversify its economy and boost its global standing, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has unveiled a series of strategic reforms and investment opportunities across various sectors in Kazakhstan. These initiatives, which span mining, agriculture, infrastructure, and digital technology, aim to position the country as a regional hub and a reliable destination for foreign investment.
In the mining sector, Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a central hub for mining investments, with a focus on transparent legislation and international partnerships. Major collaborations include partnerships with Rio Tinto, Fortescue, and Ivanhoe. The country aims to create a stable and investor-friendly environment for mining, with a focus on geological exploration and development.
Modernization of agriculture is another strategic priority for Kazakhstan, with the goal of enhancing economic diversification and ensuring food security. The aim is to build a sustainable economy integrated into the global value chain, with agriculture playing a vital role in this strategy.
In the infrastructure sector, plans include modernizing 11,000 kilometers of railroads and building 5,000 kilometers of new lines by 2029. Key projects include the Dostyk–Moiynty section, Darbaza–Maktaaral, Bakhty–Ayagoz, Moiynty–Kyzylzhar, and Altynkol–Zhetygen corridors. Over 13,000 kilometers of roads are under construction or modernization in 2025 alone, aiming to enhance Kazakhstan’s role as a regional logistics hub.
In the digital sector, President Tokayev aims to transform Kazakhstan into a digital state where AI drives growth, innovation, and digital sovereignty. This includes establishing the Council for the Development of Artificial Intelligence and launching a powerful supercomputer. The focus is on leveraging digital technologies to propel economic growth and improve the country’s global competitiveness.
Notably, Kazakhstan ranks among the top 30 globally in digital development, according to the UN. The number of fintech firms has quadrupled since 2018, with more than 4,000 companies now registered at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). The AIFC ranks first in Eastern Europe and Central Asia in the Global Financial Centres Index and leads the region in green and digital finance.
The AIFC's growth is a testament to Kazakhstan's commitment to being a reliable and reform-oriented investment destination. The country has formed a stable, investor-friendly jurisdiction with transparent and comprehensive legislation. A "prosecutorial filter" was introduced to protect investor rights, preventing government bodies from initiating checks or filing legal claims against investors without approval from the Prosecutor General's Office.
In the agriculture sector, major international companies like PepsiCo and Chinese firms Fufeng Group and Dalian Hesheng are introducing modern technologies and securing demand for local products. Kazakhstan ranks sixth globally in agricultural land and is among the world's top 10 grain exporters.
The President identified Kazakhstan's mining industry as a central pillar of its industrial development, with growing international participation in geological exploration. Wabtec is investing $200 million in alternative-fuel rolling stock in Kazakhstan, while Alstom is building service centers and will launch new-generation locomotives by 2028 in the country.
Stadler Rail built a factory producing 100 passenger cars annually in Kazakhstan. In 2024, the length of completed highways increased by 1,600 kilometers, double that of the previous year. Tokayev announced the submission of a new Tax Code to the Senate aimed at boosting private sector activity by offering targeted incentives for local manufacturing and exporters.
Tokayev opened the session by acknowledging the complex global economic landscape, marked by slowing GDP growth forecasts, inflationary pressures, and disrupted supply chains. Despite these challenges, he emphasized growing opportunities across strategic economic sectors, including transportation, logistics, construction, trade, and both extractive and manufacturing industries.
In conclusion, these reforms and investment opportunities reflect Kazakhstan's broader strategy to diversify its economy, enhance its global status, and attract foreign investment across multiple sectors. The country's commitment to transparency, investor protection, and digital innovation sets it apart as a promising destination for businesses seeking growth opportunities in a dynamic and evolving global market.
In the realm of finance, the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) has seen significant growth, with more than 4,000 fintech firms now registered, marking a quadrupling since 2018. This infrastructure, which ranks first in Eastern Europe and Central Asia in the Global Financial Centres Index, is a testament to Kazakhstan's commitment to being a reliable and reform-oriented investment destination.
In the education-and-self-development sector, President Tokayev aims to transform Kazakhstan into a digital state where AI drives growth, innovation, and digital sovereignty. This focus on leveraging technology for economic growth and competitiveness is an indicator of the country's dedication to keeping pace with the rapidly advancing global business environment.
