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Kazakhstan Emphasizes Economic Resilience and Reform at the 37th Foreign Investors' Council Plenary Session

Strategic Insights

— 3 min read

Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to economic reform, diversification, and transparency during the 37th plenary session of the Foreign Investors' Council. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev led the session, which addressed global economic uncertainty, Kazakhstan's resilience, and priorities for attracting and protecting foreign investment. Key international and domestic leaders, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's President, Odile Renaud-Basso, and executives from prominent companies, participated in the event.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kazakhstan's economy grew by 6% in the first five months of 2025, driven by transport, logistics, construction, trade, mining, and manufacturing.
  • The government resolved issues related to 137 investment projects worth $70 billion through its new Investment Headquarters and initiated 140 legislative amendments to remove systemic investor barriers.
  • A new "prosecutor's filter" ensures that no inspections, lawsuits, or restrictions on investors occur without prior approval from the Prosecutor General's Office.
  • The National Digital Investment Platform was launched to provide end-to-end public services to investors in one digital portal.
  • A new Tax Code has been submitted to the Senate, featuring targeted preferences for local producers and support for high value-added exporters.
  • Kazakhstan maintains a transparent, investor-friendly legal framework in mining, attracting major global players such as Rio Tinto, Fortescue, Ivanhoe, First Quantum, and Tech Resources.
  • President Tokayev announced a new tax code, which includes a royalty regime aimed at encouraging in-country processing of raw materials.
  • Kazakhstan seeks a leading role in the global supply chain for critical minerals, leveraging its rich resource base and legal reforms.
  • Kazakhstan plans to reconstruct 11,000 km of railways and build 5,000 km of new highways by 2029.
  • Several key corridors are being developed, including the Dostyk-Moiynty, Darbaza-Maktaaral, Bakhty-Ayagoz, Moiynty-Kyzylzhar, and Altynkol-Zhetygen corridors.
  • Several major roads were opened in 2024, including the Taldykorgan-Ust-Kamenogorsk, Karaganda-Almaty, and Aktobe-Atyrau-Astrakhan roads, adding 1,600 km to the highway network.
  • New international terminals were launched in Almaty, Kyzylorda, and Shymkent, increasing passenger capacity sixfold.
  • Kazakhstan ranks 6th worldwide in farmland area and is among the top 10 grain exporters globally.
  • Companies such as PepsiCo, Fufeng Group, and Dalian Hesheng are helping create stable demand for local agricultural products while introducing advanced agri-tech.
  • Kazakhstan ranks in the top 30 globally for digitalization (UN rankings).
  • Fintech companies have quadrupled since 2018, with 4,000+ entities registered in the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).
  • The AIFC ranks 1st in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (Global Financial Centres Index) and leads the region in green and digital finance.
  • Over 89% of transactions in Kazakhstan are now cashless, and mobile banking usage has increased 460% in four years.
  • Kazakhstan plans to launch CryptoCity, a pilot zone where cryptocurrencies can be used for everyday transactions.
  • Tokayev emphasized that AI is central to Kazakhstan's future economic growth, competitiveness, and digital sovereignty.

Statistics:

  • 137 investment projects worth $70 billion were resolved through the new Investment Headquarters.
  • 140 legislative amendments were initiated to remove systemic investor barriers.
  • The Kazakh economy grew by 6% in the first five months of 2025.
  • 11,000 km of railways and 5,000 km of new highways will be built by 2029.
  • 830 km of new railway tracks will open early on the Dostyk-Moiynty section in 2025, increasing corridor capacity fivefold.
  • Major roads opened in 2024 added 1,600 km to the highway network.
  • Passenger capacity in Almaty, Kyzylorda, and Shymkent increased sixfold.
  • 4,000+ entities are registered in the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).
  • Fintech companies have quadrupled since 2018.
  • Mobile banking usage has increased 460% in four years.
  • Over 89% of transactions in Kazakhstan are now cashless.
  • Kazakhstan ranks 6th worldwide in farmland area and is among the top 10 grain exporters globally.

Sources:

  • President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's statement at the 37th Foreign Investors' Council plenary session
  • The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's (EBRD) website
  • Kazakhstan Government website
  • Asian Development Bank's website
  • VEON Group's website
  • China National Petroleum Corporation's website
  • Alstom's website
  • United Nations report on digitalization rankings
  • Global Financial Centres Index
  • Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) website
  • Kazakh government press releases.

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