Kazakhstan, Shell Sign Long-Term Contract for Hydrocarbon Exploration in Aktobe Region
ASTANA – Kazakh Energy Ministry and Shell Kazakhstan have signed a contract for geological exploration at the Zhanaturmys field in the Aktobe Region, aiming to strengthen the country’s hydrocarbon resource base and support long-term energy security.

Photo credit: : The press service of the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan

The agreement, signed by Deputy…
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Kazakhstan Steps Up Flood Prevention Measures Ahead of Spring Season
ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov visited the Akmola Region to assess the flood situation and chaired a meeting of the National Operational Headquarters for Emergency Response with government officials and regional governors on March 5.

Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov visited the Akmola Region to assess the flood situation and chaired a…
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Visa and Halyk Launch Fifth Wave of She’s Next in Kazakhstan
ASTANA — Global digital payments company Visa and Halyk Bank will launch the fifth wave of the She’s Next global initiative in Kazakhstan, aimed at supporting and developing women’s entrepreneurship, Visa’s press service reported on March 5.

Photo credit: Visa Kazakhstan

According to the Ministry of National Economy, as of December 2025, more than…
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Kazakhstan’s Agricultural Exports Hit $7 Billion as Processing Sector Drives Growth
ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s exports of agricultural products reached $7 billion in 2025, marking a 37% increase year-on-year, said Vice Minister of Agriculture Yerbol Taszhurekov, speaking at a briefing at the Central Communications Service on March 5.

Kazakhstan’s exports of agricultural products reached $7 billion in 2025, marking a 37% increase year-on-year, said Vice Minister…
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Bright Lights, Big Smiles: International Women’s Day Festivities Await
ASTANA – As International Women’s Day approaches, on this holiday weekend, the cities will come alive with music, and celebrations, offering a rich program of events – from enchanting concerts and theatrical performances to exciting sports competitions. The Astana Times has curated a lineup of activities to help you spend quality time with loved…
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Swiss Companies Eye Transport and Infrastructure Cooperation with Kazakhstan
ALMATY – Swiss companies are showing growing interest in expanding cooperation with Kazakhstan in the transport and logistics sectors, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs’ (SECO) press service told Trend news agency.

Photo credit: World Bank.

According to SECO, Kazakhstan plays a central role in developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route,…
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News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Transit Role, Critical Minerals Deal, and Major Investment Plans
ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected key articles from international media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest highlights discussions on strengthening the Middle Corridor, the Asian Development Bank’s multibillion-dollar investment plans, cross-border payment integration with Uzbekistan, and more.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

Kazakhstan, Serbia discuss effective utilization of Middle Corridor

Kazakhstan…
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Kazakhstan Hosts First AI-Powered Togyzkumalak Competition
ALMATY – A togyzkumalak (nine pellets) tournament featuring artificial intelligence (AI) is being held for the first time in the city of Kyzylorda as part of the international rating tournament Champion. The event is dedicated to the memory of Kazakh statesman and public figure Nalkozha Yergeshbayev, reported the Kazinform news agency on March 5.…
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National Bank of Kazakhstan Leaves Base Rate Unchanged at 18%
ASTANA – The Monetary Policy Committee of the National Bank of Kazakhstan decided to keep the base rate at 18% per year, with a corridor of ±1 percentage point. The decision is based on the latest forecast round, updated assessments of key macroeconomic indicators, and the balance of inflation risks.

Governor Timur Suleimenov. Photo…
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Tokayev Congratulates Women of Kazakhstan on International Women’s Day
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered remarks at a ceremonial event on March 6 in Akorda dedicated to International Women’s Day, congratulating women across the country and recognizing their contribution to Kazakhstan’s development.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered remarks at a ceremonial event on March 6 in Akorda dedicated to International Women’s Day. Photo credit:…
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Weekly News Digest 📰

▪️Kazakhstan Evacuates Over 3,300 Citizens From Middle East Conflict Zone. Read.

▪️WHO Sees Measurable Progress in Kazakhstan’s Health System.  Read.

▪️Kazakhstan Becomes World’s Second-Largest Gold Buyer in 2025 Amid Record Prices. Read.

▪️National Bank of Kazakhstan Leaves Base Rate Unchanged at 18%. Read.

▪️Kazakhstan’s Glaciers Melting Faster, Raising Risks of Floods and Water Shortages. Read.

▪️Between Kazakhstan and Poland: Kazakh Writer Bridges Cultures Through Literature. Read.

Stay tuned with The Astana Times⚡️

Evacuations from Middle East, Astana LRT & Gold Boom | Kazakhstan News Digest

In this week’s Kazakhstan News Digest, we break down the key political, infrastructure, and economic developments shaping the country.

🔗Watch full https://youtu.be/Ivu33jCos0g

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry has urged citizens to avoid travel to several Middle Eastern countries as military operations continue across the region and many states close their airspace.

In a statement, the ministry strongly advised Kazakh citizens to refrain from all travel to the following countries until the situation stabilizes:
• Bahrain
• Egypt
• Israel
• Yemen
• Jordan
• Iraq
• Iran
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• United Arab Emirates
• Oman
• Syria

The ministry also called on Kazakh nationals currently in the region to take heightened personal safety precautions, avoid potentially dangerous areas, and follow instructions from local authorities.

Citizens were urged to seek shelter immediately in the event of missile threats and to maintain regular contact with Kazakhstan’s diplomatic missions abroad, as well as with tour operators and airlines.

The advisory comes as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, disrupting travel and aviation across the region.

Kazakhstan to Link Western Regions to National Grid in Major Network Upgrade by 2027
ASTANA — Kazakhstan will connect the power system of its western regions to the country’s main electricity grid and build thousands of kilometers of new transmission lines as part of a major modernization of the national power network, reported the Kazakh Energy Ministry on March 3.

Photo credit: gov.kz

The plan includes the construction…
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Kazakhstan Kicks Off Spring Tourism Season with Cultural and Gastronomic Festivals
ASTANA – Kazakhstan will open its spring tourism season in March with two flagship events showcasing the country’s cultural and culinary heritage, attracting both residents and visitors.

Photo credit: gov.kz

The cultural festival Amal Keldi – Zhyl Keldi, which conveys the idea of welcoming the new year with hope, unity, and renewal, will be…
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Dimash Qudaibergen Named Ambassador of Turkic World Culture by TURKSOY
ALMATY – Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen received the Ambassador of Turkic World Culture order, the highest award of TURKSOY, in recognition of his significant contribution to the development and promotion of Turkic culture at a ceremony held in Astana on March 5.

Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen received the Ambassador of Turkic World Culture order,…
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Women in Kazakhstan Surpass 10.4 Million Ahead of International Women’s Day
ASTANA — Women now make up over 10.4 million people in Kazakhstan, reflecting both the country’s growing population and the expanding role women play in the workforce, entrepreneurship and public life, according to new statistics released by the Bureau of National Statistics ahead of International Women’s Day.

Photo credit: The Astana Times

According to…
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Kazakh Pensioner Begins 2,800-Kilometer Walk Across Europe
ASTANA – For most people, retirement marks a slowing down. For Sarsenbai Kotyrashov, it became the beginning of an extraordinary journey. At 76, the Kazakh traveler has set out on the fourth stage of his long-distance adventures, this time across Europe.

Sarsenbai Kotyrashov, a Kazakh traveler started his fourth adventure in Serbia. Photo credit:…
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International Conference Revisits Alikhan Bokeikhan’s Legacy, History of Alash
ASTANA – Astana hosted an international scientific conference on March 5, commemorating the 160th birthday of Alikhan Bokeikhan, one of Kazakhstan’s most renowned early 20th-century statesmen and intellectuals.

Photo credit: Eurasian National University

Hosted at the Eurasian National University, the event brought together academics, lawmakers, public leaders, and students from Kazakhstan, Japan, the Czech…
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