AGP Executive Report

Space & Research: Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon reached the ISS aboard Soyuz MS-29 from Baikonur in Kazakhstan, starting an eight-month mission with research and technology demos tied to human space exploration. Kazakhstan Governance & Law: Prosecutors say recovered 1.3 trillion tenge from illegal withdrawals has already funded 350 social facilities, while oversight covers thousands of investment projects. Digital Economy: Kazakhstan signed a decree to stimulate the digital assets industry, aiming for a regulated ecosystem, updated payment infrastructure, and tax incentives for income earned via licensed channels. Water Tech & Industry: Kazakhstan developed 168 five-year transition plans to move industrial and heat systems toward recycled, closed-loop water supply, with future water-permit requirements. Health Tech: Kazakhstan says it entered the world’s top 30 for cardiac surgery, citing rising open-heart volumes and expanding high-tech cardiology services. Business & Investment: Kazakhstan and China discussed new investment formats in Shanghai, including AI, digital tech, critical minerals processing, and green energy. Global Tech Finance: Amazon plans to launch satellite internet service Amazon Leo in South Africa in 2027, signaling tougher competition with Starlink in Africa. Trade & Infrastructure: China’s Belt and Road momentum with Central Asia continues to grow, with freight volumes rising on new land-sea corridors.

Space & Research: NASA astronaut Anil Menon has arrived at the ISS with Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina for an eight-month mission launched from Baikonur, with work spanning semiconductor crystal production, AI-assisted medical tech and bioprinting in microgravity. ISS Program: Roscosmos says ISS operations have been extended through 2030, while the new crew docks smoothly to the Prichal module. Nuclear Cooperation: Kazakhstan and China are pushing deeper nuclear ties as officials meet on regulation, safety, training and joint industry projects. Water Tech: Kazakhstan has drafted 168 five-year transition plans to move industrial and heat suppliers toward recycled, closed-loop water systems, with tighter permitting starting next year. Rare Earths: Lindian Resources reports independently validated 98% NdPr extraction and a non-radioactive rare earth carbonate pathway certified by ANSTO. Digital Assets Policy: Kazakhstan’s new decree sets rules for a regulated digital assets ecosystem, including stablecoin use for cross-border settlements and tax incentives for income earned via licensed infrastructure. Business & Fintech: Kaspi.kz completed its acquisition of Rabobank A.Ş. in Türkiye, expanding its Super App footprint. Agriculture: The agriculture minister points to livestock as a key growth driver, backed by concessional financing and a livestock development plan. Social Metrics: Kazakhstan ranks 61st in the Global Social Progress Index, with Norway leading the overall list.

Space & Science: NASA astronaut Anil Menon launched from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur on Soyuz MS-29 with Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina, docking with the ISS after a ~3-hour trip for an eight-month mission focused on microgravity health research and tech demos (including semiconductor crystal growth and AI/AR-assisted medical ultrasound). Kazakhstan–China Nuclear: Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency chief Almassadam Satkaliyev toured Chinese nuclear facilities and met regulators and industry leaders, signaling deeper cooperation on reactor development, safety, training, and the legal framework. Kazakhstan–China Energy Diplomacy: Kazakhstan and China also reaffirmed plans to expand nuclear ties and coordinate on related training and regulatory work. Critical Minerals Debate: A U.S. rare-earth argument by Peter Navarro was challenged by economists, who warned that mineral supply politics could reshape global industry and defense demand.

Baikonur Space Launch: NASA astronaut Anil Menon is set for an eight-month ISS mission on Soyuz MS-29 from Kazakhstan, launching July 14 and docking after a fast rendezvous with Expedition 74/75 crews. Astana Infrastructure Push: Kazakhstan’s PM signed resolutions allocating over KZT 16.2 billion from the government reserve for Astana’s engineering and energy upgrades, including wastewater facilities and a new 110/20 kV substation. Water Management: Kazakhstan reports nearly 6 bcm of water allocated for irrigation since the growing season began, with plans to withdraw about 11 bcm for 1.2 million hectares. Healthcare Milestone: Kazakhstan carried out 13,000+ open-heart surgeries in 2025 and reached its 100th heart transplant, with cardiovascular indicators improving into 2026. Digital Governance: A Kazakh official says digital platforms must be accountable for the content they distribute, amid concerns over disinformation. STEM & Robotics: Kazakh students earned top results at an international robotics championship, highlighting growing engineering talent. Conservation Tech: Marwell Zoo returned two endangered Przewalski’s horses to Kazakhstan and is developing an AI system to monitor nocturnal behavior. One Health Webinar: Central Asia’s regional online webinar on avian influenza prevention and control (One Health approach) is set for July 21.

Baikonur Space Launch: NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina are set to lift off from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome on July 14 aboard Soyuz MS-29, docking with the ISS about three hours later and starting an ~8-month Expedition 74 mission. Digital Assets Regulation: Kazakhstan plans a National Bank committee to regulate and supervise the digital asset market, expand oversight of the payments system, and enable regulated use of digital assets and stablecoins for cross-border settlements. Cybersecurity: A phishing campaign by Armored Likho uses AI-generated loaders to deploy the BusySnake stealer, with reported victims including Kazakhstan and targeting government and energy organizations. Water & Climate Tech: Kazakhstan pilots cloud seeding in Turkistan Region with UAE support to boost rainfall and support irrigation, while regional “One Health” coordination in Central Asia advances shared lab standards and cross-border outbreak drills. STEM & Robotics: Kazakh students earned top results at Hong Kong robotics championships, and Kazakhstan-linked STEM teams also stood out in international competitions. Automotive Market: Kazakhstan’s June car sales stayed resilient, led by Chevrolet and Hyundai, with demand for better tech and service pushing competition.

Space & Research: Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon is set to launch from Baikonur in Kazakhstan aboard Soyuz MS-29 for an eight-month ISS mission, aiming to advance long-duration spaceflight research and healthcare applications. Science Education: India swept the 56th International Physics Olympiad in Colombia with five gold medals and a joint World No. 1 ranking alongside Kazakhstan, underscoring strong pre-university training pipelines. Kazakhstan Infrastructure Jobs: Kazakhstan plans major water-sector works that will create 975 permanent jobs (plus 1,866 temporary) through reservoir building, canal modernization, and commissioning of hundreds of kilometers of canals. Energy Projects: Almaty’s CHPP-3 construction is behind schedule due to a shortage of about 1,000 workers and delayed equipment deliveries, with readiness reported at roughly 26%. Archaeology Tech: A Kazakhstan lidar and ground-penetrating radar survey in Pavlodar uncovered a large medieval fired-brick structure tied to the Golden Horde era. Health & Biotech: Santhera expanded its AGAMREE® distribution deal with Biomedica to cover Kazakhstan and several nearby markets for Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment. Digital Policy: Kazakhstan is accelerating its crypto push after President Tokayev signed a decree supporting stablecoin payments, tokenized products, and regulated exchange activity.

Digital Assets Push: Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev signed a decree to accelerate regulated crypto adoption, including stablecoin payments, tokenized products, tax incentives, and plans to power Bitcoin mining with surplus gas. Space & Research: Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon is set for an eight-month ISS mission from Baikonur (July 14), joining Russian crew for medical and tech research. STEM Spotlight: The 56th International Physics Olympiad in Colombia saw India win five golds and share joint World No. 1 with China, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea, and Taiwan. Local Environment Response: Astana firefighters have been battling a major landfill blaze for a third straight day, using inert material to isolate hotspots and stop reignition. Archaeology: Excavations in southern Kazakhstan’s Kultobe settlement uncovered new Kangju inscriptions and rare artifacts, adding hundreds of characters to the known corpus. Transport Tech: Kazakhstan and UAE’s Presight signed a term sheet to develop an AI-powered national transport intelligence network.

Space & Science: Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon will launch from Baikonur on July 14 for an eight-month ISS mission aboard Soyuz MS-29, joining Expedition 74/75 with Russian crew. Archaeology: Excavations at Kazakhstan’s Kultobe settlement uncovered new Kangju inscriptions and rare artifacts, adding hundreds of previously unknown characters and new lines to the Kangju corpus. Education & STEM: India swept the International Physics Olympiad 2026 with five gold medals, tying for top rank with Kazakhstan and other leading countries. Sports Tech: Jamaica’s Ministry funded its drone soccer team with $1.35m for a South Korea competition, highlighting STEM skills behind the sport. Kazakhstan Tech & Economy: Kazakhstan and Japan move forward on a $3.7bn deal pipeline, while the EEC Council backed Kazakhstan’s proposal to extend navigation-seal rules deadline to Jan 1, 2028. Industry & Eurasia: Indonesia secured 13 INNOPROM 2026 industrial MoUs, including meetings with Kazakhstan and other Eurasian partners.

EAEU Trade & Compliance: Kazakhstan’s navigation-seal rules got a reprieve: the EEC Council backed Astana’s proposal and pushed the deadline for using EAEU-made navigation seals to Jan 1, 2028, after Kazakhstan warned that current capacity and early replacement would raise costs. Space & Science: Indian-origin astronaut Anil Menon says he’s excited to spot Kerala from the ISS during an 8-month mission launching from Baikonur on July 14. Ancient DNA Breakthrough: Scientists sequenced the first genome-wide DNA of Kazakhstan’s Golden Man, confirming he was genetically male and linking elite Saka status to family dynasties. AI & Transport: Kazakhstan signed an AI transport cooperation agreement with UAE’s Presight to build an intelligent national transport network. Energy & Industry: Kazakhstan and Japanese partners discussed a $3.7B deal pipeline and new energy cooperation, while Kazakhstan’s IT services market hit record growth in 2025.

Kazakhstan Tech & Research: Kazakhstan’s IT services market hit a record ₸2.9 trillion in 2025 (about $5.6bn), up 70% year-on-year, with Almaty and Astana driving most of the growth and domestic clients making up 86.7% of demand. Rare Metals Lab Push: Satbayev University in Almaty will host a Kazakh–South Korean rare metals research and technology center, aiming to train specialists and bring modern lab equipment for processing critical minerals. E-Waste Fix: Kazakhstan launched a new project to improve electronic waste collection and recycling, backed by a $5m Global Environment Facility grant, after earlier estimates suggested only a small fraction of e-waste is formally handled. Space & Science Spotlight: NASA confirmed live coverage for Indian-origin astronaut Anil Menon’s first ISS mission aboard Soyuz MS-29 from Baikonur on July 14, plus new ISS research including ultrasound scans and cartilage engineering. Energy & Tech Diplomacy: Tokayev and Trump discussed nuclear security and a tungsten project, while Kazakhstan’s EEC navigation-seal rules were adjusted to extend deadlines for local needs.

Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 4.5 quake hit southwest of Taraz at 15 km depth, with the epicenter pinpointed at 42.50N, 70.88E. Constitution & Governance: Kazakhstan’s new Constitution took effect July 1, with experts saying it’s the start of systemic transformation requiring legislative and administrative alignment. Japan Ties & Tech: Keidanren and major Japanese firms signaled renewed interest in Kazakhstan after talks on a $3.7B deal pipeline, including oil, refining, decarbonization and tech cooperation. EAEU Logistics Rules: The EEC Council backed Kazakhstan’s plan on navigation seals, extending the deadline to Jan 1, 2028 to allow local needs to be met. Smart City Push: Prime Minister Bektenov set up an operational committee to speed Alatau City development, including smart-tech projects like an AI-driven city and digital twin. Transport Tech: Tolling starts on three more highway sections, with automatic processing via license-plate recognition. Rare Metals Research: Kazakhstan and South Korea will create a rare metals research center in Almaty at Satbayev University to train specialists and upgrade lab equipment. IT Growth: Kazakhstan’s IT services market hit a record 2.9T tenge in 2025 (about $5.6B). E-waste Plan: Kazakhstan launched a project to improve e-waste collection and recycling, backed by a $5M grant. Space Medicine: NASA confirmed live coverage for astronaut Anil Menon’s July 14 Soyuz MS-29 launch from Baikonur for an ISS mission. Energy Deal: Chevron licensed shale extraction tech to ZL Chemicals under the Vantis brand. Mining Update: Cove Kaz begins site preparation at Severniy Katpar tungsten deposits ahead of definitive feasibility work.

Space & Research: NASA says Indian-origin astronaut Anil Menon will launch from Baikonur on July 14 for an eight-month ISS mission aboard Soyuz MS-29, studying microgravity impacts on the human body plus semiconductor and AI-assisted ultrasound work. AI in Transport: Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport signed a term sheet with UAE AI firm Presight to build a national operational intelligence platform for smarter monitoring, predictive analytics, and safer roads. Smart City Push: PM Olzhas Bektenov ordered faster rollout of Alatau city’s special legal regime, with plans for an AI-driven city, digital twin, and Web3 ecosystem. Infrastructure & Mobility: Toll fees start on three more national highway sections, using automatic license-plate recognition for charges. Trade & Logistics: TCRC reports Middle Corridor container shipping costs from China to Europe via Kazakhstan are rising again amid regional instability. Border Tech & Enforcement: Kazakhstan added 59 border checkpoints to curb illicit fuel smuggling to Russia, including confiscations of extra fuel tanks. Water Digitalization: Kazakhstan’s National Water Resources Information System is now live, integrating satellite and monitoring data for unified water management. International Partnerships: Kazakhstan and Japan discussed expanding tech and investment cooperation after a $3.7B deal pipeline.

AI & Digital Governance: Kazakhstan showcased its AI for Good presence and joined the UN’s AI for Good Global Commission as a founding member, while Geneva hosted an “AI for Good and for All” seminar with Kazakhstan among the participants. Transport Tech: Kazakhstan signed a term sheet with the UK’s Presight to build an AI-powered national transport intelligence platform, aiming for real-time visibility and better road safety. Water Tech (Execution Watch): PM Bektenov said adoption of water-saving tech must speed up, as the National Water Resources Information System is now live and regional rollout is behind schedule. Critical Minerals: Kazakhstan signed a $107m deal with the UK’s Maritime House to boost rhenium processing from secondary raw materials, and Cove Kaz Capital began site prep for tungsten deposits ahead of a definitive feasibility study. Border Security: Kazakhstan deployed 59 checkpoints to curb illicit fuel smuggling to Russia, citing hundreds of blocked attempts and confiscated extra tanks. Healthcare Infrastructure: Construction is underway on 51 health facilities worth 108bn tenge, including major cancer and hematology centers. Med AI Startup Push: Astana Hub launched MedHub HAQ to accelerate medical AI using anonymized data under the upcoming Digital Code.

AI in Healthcare: Astana Hub launched MedHub HAQ, a nonprofit platform to accelerate medical AI in Kazakhstan and Central Asia using anonymized patient data under the upcoming Digital Code, with an accelerator for medtech startups like e-Osmotr, Teri AI, and Neuro Guard. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reported a new spear-phishing campaign in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Brazil tied to the Armored Likho actor, using the BusySnake infostealer to steal credentials and maintain access in government and power networks. Transport Tech: Presight signed a term sheet with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport to explore a national operational intelligence platform for smarter, safer transport monitoring using sovereign AI. Aviation Safety: Kazakhstan strengthened cooperation with ICAO to upgrade air accident investigation capabilities, including assessment of the new Transport Accident and Incident Investigation Center and investigator training needs. Energy & Industry: Kazakhstan’s uranium outlook stays tied to AI-driven SMR demand as Kazatomprom faces supply constraints; meanwhile, Central Asia is also eyeing sustainable aviation fuel scale-up (Uzbekistan SAF complex planning). Science & Heritage: The Aral Geopark is under UNESCO Global Geopark review, with an assessment mission running July 6–13.

AI & Transport Modernization: Presight signed a term sheet with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport to explore a national operational intelligence platform using sovereign AI for real-time visibility, predictive insights, and smarter road safety and oversight. Aviation Safety Upgrade: Kazakhstan also struck a new deal with ICAO to strengthen air accident and incident investigations, including capability reviews and recommendations for training and lab equipment. AI Governance Spotlight: Kazakhstan’s AI minister joined the ITU’s AI for Good Global Commission in Geneva, positioning the country as an active player in AI governance. UNESCO Bid for the Aral: Kazakhstan’s Aral Geopark is under international assessment for possible UNESCO Global Geopark status, with experts reviewing sites, management, and scientific potential. Cybersecurity Threat: Kaspersky reported a new spear-phishing campaign dubbed Armored Likho, using BusySnake malware to target government and power organizations in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Brazil. Energy & Geopolitics: Russia banned diesel exports from July 8 after drone attacks hit refineries, worsening fuel shortages. Regional Tech & Mobility Interest: A report says global infrastructure investors are increasingly looking at Central Asia for AI data-center power and grid readiness. Visa Tech Push (Regional): Saudi Arabia approved a unified national visa platform and granted visa exemptions for Kazakhstan among others.

Transport AI Deal: Presight and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport signed a term sheet to explore a national transport operational intelligence platform using sovereign AI for real-time visibility, predictive insights, and better road safety. AI Showcase: Kazakhstan unveiled its national AI pavilion at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, pitching the country as an “AI and Digital Hub of Eurasia” with GovTech and data-focused initiatives. Digital Assets Push: Kazakhstan’s head of state signed a decree to further develop the digital assets market, aiming to attract investment, set infrastructure rules, and regulate trading and participant protections via National Bank licensing. Cybersecurity Watch: A new phishing campaign is turning AnyDesk into a long-term backdoor, targeting aerospace and aviation organizations and relying on everyday remote access tools to stay hidden. Energy & Trade Routes: Kazakhstan plans a private-investment terminal at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port to ship via Aktau–rail–Turkmenistan, seeking access to India, the Persian Gulf, and Southeast Asia. Audit & Accountability: The Supreme Audit Chamber reported 128 billion tenge recovered for the state budget in H1 2026, alongside new rules to tighten forecasting and treasury control. Space/Health Tech: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University joined Central Asia’s first “flying hospital” project using COMAC’s C909 for ophthalmology and ENT care with telemedicine and AI diagnostics.