AGP Executive Report

EAEU Summit in Astana: Kazakhstan’s Tokayev chaired a Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting where Uzbekistan’s Mirziyoyev pushed new plans for digital trade, industrial cooperation, transport links and labor mobility, while EAEU leaders backed deeper integration through digitisation and AI, including a push for a unified digital space and faster customs/logistics processes. Responsible AI Rules: The bloc adopted a joint statement and declaration on responsible AI development, stressing ethics, non-discrimination and human-centered use, with Kazakhstan also calling for AI-driven integration and mutual recognition of digital signatures. Digital Transport: Kazakhstan and Russia signed a joint action plan to digitalize rail freight, aiming for a unified digital space, paperless documents and smoother transit. Nuclear Deal Financing Still Murky: Putin signed the basic principles for Russia building Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant, but financing details remain unclear despite reported project cost estimates around $16.4bn. Climate Research for Resilience: A CAREC/Asian Impact webinar used Kazakhstan and Central Asia household panel data plus satellite weather to show how rainfall shortages hit incomes and food security, highlighting the need to turn research into practical protection. Kazakhstan–UAE Trade Boost: Exports to the UAE rose 42.1% and Emirati investment hit $1.6bn, as both sides discussed new joint initiatives.

EAEU AI Governance: Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev used the 5th Eurasian Economic Forum in Astana to push AI security and education reform, warning that up to 40% of jobs could be affected and stressing constitutional data protection; Regional Responsible AI: Armenia backed a shared EAEU declaration on responsible AI, calling for transparent algorithms, auditability, human oversight, and digital sovereignty; Putin’s AI Push: Vladimir Putin said Russia is funding AI at scale and proposed an international AI alliance plus shared computing and energy infrastructure across the EAEU; Kazakhstan–Russia Industry: Tokayev and Putin presented trade and industrial projects, including 177 joint ventures worth $52.7B and 60,000+ jobs, spanning metallurgy, petrochemicals, and mechanical engineering; Astana Smart Transport: China–Kazakhstan cooperation advanced as Astana’s first urban light rail entered operation, a driverless automated line built with Chinese standards; Green Hydrogen Pilot: KMG Engineering launched Kazakhstan’s first full-cycle green hydrogen pilot in Atyrau, pairing solar power, a containerized electrolyzer, and hydrogen storage for industrial use; Cybersecurity Watch: Dutch authorities seized servers tied to a Russian bulletproof hosting network, but scanning activity reportedly continued at similar levels.

AI & Industry: The World Intelligence Expo 2026 opened in Tianjin with 700+ exhibitors, pushing “AI+ manufacturing” and new use cases from embodied AI to low-altitude economy and commercial space. Astana Mobility: Central Asia’s first urban light rail started operating in Astana—22.4 km, 18 stations, fully automated driverless tech—marking a major China-Kazakhstan BRI milestone. Nuclear Power Deal: Kazakhstan and Russia signed financing and cooperation terms for the first Kazakh nuclear plant (about $16.5B), including a Russian export credit and plans tied to Rosatom’s participation. Autonomous Logistics: Kazakhstan and Russia launched a pilot driverless freight corridor between Astana and Moscow, cutting delivery time by more than half and testing autonomous driving plus digital twin and offline performance. Cybercrime Watch: Dutch authorities seized 800+ servers tied to a Russian bulletproof hosting network, but scanning activity reportedly continued at similar levels. Responsible AI in EAEU: Armenia backed an EAEU push for responsible AI with rules on ethics, security, transparency, and human oversight. Wildlife Science: Russia sent four Amur tigers to Kazakhstan for a scientific reintroduction experiment in the Ile-Balkhash reserve.

Nuclear Cooperation: Kazakhstan and the IAEA are deepening ties after Tokayev met IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, with a cooperation roadmap signed through 2036 and new steps in nuclear medicine and safety. Nuclear Power Buildout: Kazakhstan plans active construction of the first Balkhash nuclear power plant in 2027, with Russia’s Rosatom expected to play a major role and intergovernmental agreements on construction and financing on the table. Autonomous Mobility: Kazakhstan is preparing a driverless taxi pilot for the second half of 2026, using a regulatory sandbox and partners Yandex Qazaqstan and inDrive, with Almaty expected to lead. Urban Air Mobility: A2Z Drone Delivery and Alatau Advance Air Group are partnering on Kazakhstan’s Alatau City UAM program, supported by a new UAM test center for drones, air taxis, and vertiport infrastructure. Satellite Connectivity: Uzbekistan showcased direct-to-device satellite messaging via Viasat, enabling native SMS between Android phones without dedicated satellite terminals. Energy & Transit: Kazakhstan is strengthening its role as a Central Asia gas transit hub, expanding transit routes and processing capacity tied to Russian gas flows. Cybersecurity: A software supply-chain attack campaign using GlasswormRAT was disrupted after coordinated takedowns of resilient command-and-control channels. STEM & Education: Kazakhstan-linked research and talent stories include an IAEA-focused nuclear safety agenda and international education moves, while a Kazakh schoolboy earned offers from dozens of top universities worldwide.

Inclusive Education Tech: Kozybayev University upgraded its library with a text-to-audio device that lets students with visual impairments independently access printed and scientific materials in 20+ languages, alongside Braille, audiobooks and digitized resources. Autonomous Mobility: Kazakhstan plans a driverless taxi pilot in the second half of 2026 using a regulatory sandbox; Yandex Qazaqstan and inDrive are preparing infrastructure, vehicles and software for local traffic rules, with Almaty expected as the main launch city. Smart City in Alatau: A2Z Drone Delivery teamed up with Alatau Advance Air Group to plug drone logistics and future air-mobility services into the Alatau UAM Test Center Eurasia, as Kazakhstan builds Alatau City from scratch for vertiports, eVTOL and unmanned delivery. AI & Digital Policy: Astana Hub Battle and AI & Digital Bridge 2026 media accreditation opened for Oct 1–3, with tracks on AI, digital transformation, startups and national AI policy. Cybersecurity: CrowdStrike, Google and Shadowserver helped disrupt the GlasswormRAT supply-chain attack by cutting multiple command-and-control channels used to deliver malicious payloads. Energy & Nuclear: Kazakhstan’s energy crunch is intensifying as Rosatom moves closer to the Balkhash nuclear power project, with nuclear framed as a long-term stabilizer for electricity supply. Eurasian Tech Diplomacy: Putin’s Kazakhstan visit highlights nuclear, oil-gas, transport corridors and expanding digital cooperation, including AI-based platforms in industry, logistics and public services.

Urban Air Mobility Push: Kazakhstan’s Alatau City is getting real infrastructure momentum as A2Z Drone Delivery partners with Alatau Advance Air Group to support drone deliveries and air-taxi operations, with a UAM Test Center Eurasia opening serving as the launchpad. AI on the Creative Map: Higgsfield AI screened its fully AI-generated film “Hell Grind” at Cannes’ market week—made by a small Kazakhstan-based team in 14 days for under $500K—showing how fast AI production is moving from labs to showcases. Nuclear Safety & Diplomacy: Kazakhstan is deepening ties with the IAEA as President Tokayev meets Rafael Grossi, backing nuclear safety cooperation and a roadmap through 2036, while also reiterating Kazakhstan’s readiness to help on Iran’s nuclear situation if agreements are in place. Russia-Kazakhstan Dealmaking: Ahead of Putin’s state visit, Moscow says Russian investment in Kazakhstan is nearing $30B and points to dozens of joint projects—while the visit is set to align with EAEU summit events. Workforce & Skills: Kazakhstan plans 90,000 scholarship grants, prioritizing engineering, IT, and agriculture to match projected labor needs.

Nuclear diplomacy in focus: President Tokayev met IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, backing nuclear safety and a cooperation roadmap through 2036, while Kazakhstan reiterated it could help resolve Iran’s nuclear situation only under the right international agreements. Education push: Kazakhstan approved 89,457 state scholarship grants for 2026–27 (75,371 bachelor, 11,007 master, 3,079 PhD), with up to 60% aimed at engineering/IT/agriculture. Tourism acceleration: Aida Balayeva’s council set a 2029 action plan to grow tourism with eco- and mountain projects, including the Almaty Superski cluster. Tech & industry momentum: Kazakhstan approved a 32.5bn tenge (US$71m) full-cycle biopharma plant in Alatau SEZ, plus ongoing moves to localize nuclear production. Regional context: Putin’s second state visit to Kazakhstan is set to bring energy, finance, healthcare and tourism documents. Also in the mix: Iran is reportedly using Chinese censorship hardware, and Kazakhstan’s Aral Sea bed afforestation reached 1.2m hectares.

Biopharma Push: Kazakhstan approved a $71M full-cycle biopharmaceutical plant in the Almaty region, aiming to make 20 medicine types (including cancer and rare-disease treatments) with construction through 2031 and full output by 2032. AI Government Rollout: The country is also funding AI and digitalization—$177.1B tenge for 2026—while officials say AI is being embedded into top government information systems to speed document work and decision-making. Smart Cities & Transport: Astana’s mayor briefed Tokayev on growth, new schools and healthcare facilities, and the fully launched LRT light rail, with a second phase in planning. Cybersecurity: Kazakhstan continues building its Kaznet Cyber Threat Radar to monitor and respond to threats across its digital ecosystem. Health Alerts: East Kazakhstan reported tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease cases, alongside thousands seeking care after tick bites. Regional Tech Diplomacy: Kazakhstan is preparing for its Data Center Valley project, with Ekibastuz picked as the main site and construction expected to start in June 2026.

AI Push in Government: Kazakhstan is rolling AI into top state systems and has earmarked 177.1 bn tenge for AI and digitalization, plus a new Astana AI Film Festival calling for full-AI 10-minute movies. Data Center Race: The Data Center Valley project is accelerating, with Ekibastuz picked as the main site and construction set to start in June. Nuclear Cooperation: IAEA chief Rafael Grossi is visiting Kazakhstan for talks on a 10-year roadmap covering safety, science, and nuclear medicine. Tech & Talent: Kazakhstan’s AI school debate is heating up, while a Gevirtz Ph.D fellow won a major education research fellowship. Geopolitics Watch: Trump says Iran should join the Abraham Accords after a “Great Deal,” as Iran-US talks continue in Doha/Qatar amid warnings that no deal is imminent. Security & Health: Kazakhstan reports major drug network busts and continued HPV vaccination progress in Almaty.

Pharma Push: Kazakhstan will build a full-cycle biopharmaceutical complex in the Almaty region, backed by 32.5 bln tenge in private investment, aiming for commissioning in 2031 and full capacity by 2032—covering 20 medicine types plus R&D and GMP-standard production. Cross-border Policing: A Kazakh couple suspected of synthetic drug production (including mephedrone) has been detained in Georgia, after Kazakhstan requested international searches. SCO Science Drive: SCO science ministers met in Bishkek and backed Kyrgyzstan’s plan for a unified SCO green-tech research space, reviewing 450+ project applications ahead of another selection. Food Security Watch: Researchers warn wheat curl mites can spread viruses across cereals, raising the stakes for crop protection. Middle Corridor Momentum: Kazakhstan keeps positioning itself as a key link in Eurasian rail logistics, with recent regional transport forums spotlighting US-linked corridor upgrades. Agriculture & Climate: Kyrgyzstan’s greenhouse farming is concentrated in the south, but most farms still rely on coal heating.

Space & Tech Culture: ISS astronauts are living a 92-minute rhythm—16 sunrises and 16 sunsets a day—while the wider space industry keeps debating whether space tourism can ever scale beyond a niche. Human Rights & Media: China’s Uyghur crackdown is again drawing scrutiny across Europe, with Kazakhstan-based Uyghur art used to keep attention on culture and alleged repression. Heritage & Craft: Kyrgyzstan is pushing felt for UNESCO intangible heritage status, with Kazakhstan among the partner countries—another reminder that “tech” isn’t only software. Regional Science & Safety: SCO ministers meet in Bishkek to discuss science and tech cooperation, while Kazakh rescuers join international earthquake drills. AI in the Spotlight: A full-length AI-generated film was shown at a Cannes-area side event, reigniting the debate over what “AI cinema” really means. Transport & Trade: The US–Eurasia Transport Forum in Los Angeles focused on the Middle Corridor, pitching ports, rail, and digital logistics links. Cyber Hygiene: A “spamathon” is hitting users with fake emails, including scams tied to Kazakhstan-origin messages.

Transport & Smart Cities: Astana has officially launched the first phase of its Light Rail Transit system, adding a new public transport backbone to the capital. National Narrative & Culture: Kazakhstan is also pushing a deeper historical storyline, with a UNESCO-backed Golden Horde symposium in Astana drawing 300+ scholars as Tokayev warns against politicizing history. Health & Conservation: The Syrdarya–Turkistan park is now Kazakhstan’s only Bukhara deer restoration site, growing the herd from 6 animals (1999) to 319. Prosthetics Tech: Kazakh researchers showcased a “smart bionic arm” that reads muscle signals via EMG sensors to recognize gestures and help with everyday tasks. Cyber Safety: A “spamathon” is spreading fake emails and scams, with reports of messages originating from Kazakhstan. Water Security: Kazakhstan earmarked $455m (214.6bn tenge) for water-saving measures in 2026–2028, aiming to scale irrigation tech and cut losses.

Smart Prosthetics: Kazakh scientists unveiled a “smart bionic arm” that reads muscle signals via an EMG bracelet and lets users grip and carry everyday objects. Cybercrime Warning: A “spamathon” is spreading fake emails that lure people into sharing personal data or paying scams—experts urge caution with links and passwords. Aviation Push: Kazakhstan’s PM told Air Astana to open routes from Astana to New York and Tokyo by year-end, aiming to turn the country into a regional aviation hub. Water Security: The government earmarked $455M (214.6B tenge) for water-saving measures in 2026–2028, after 874M m³ was saved in 2025. Regional Tech & Finance: Central Asian Islamic finance groups launched a regional alliance, while Kazakhstan and the World Bank discussed an economic reform action plan. Science & Culture: Students won 6 medals at an international biology olympiad, and Almaty hosted a 100th-anniversary Turkology conference.

UFO Files, Again: The Pentagon and US intelligence released another batch of declassified UFO-related documents, including a memo describing an orange orb that split in two and reportedly maneuvered near a helicopter, with no final conclusions drawn. Cybersecurity: Researchers link new Linux and Windows toolsets used against telecom firms across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East to suspected PRC-backed espionage activity, pointing to shared tactics across multiple threat actors. Water Security: Kazakhstan earmarked $455M (214.6B tenge) for water-saving subsidies in 2026–2028, after reporting 874M m³ of irrigation water saved in 2025 and plans to scale water-saving tech to 1.3M hectares by 2030. Kazakhstan Tech & Business: Kazakhstan and World Bank are working on an action plan for economic reform, while Astana continues pushing digital services and smart-city cooperation. Sports & Culture: Kazakhstan will host the 2026 World Wrestling Championships in Astana, and an AI-made film from a Kazakhstan team is stirring debate after a “Cannes-area” presentation.

UFO Files Drop: The Trump administration released a new batch of declassified U.S. unidentified aerial phenomenon records, including a 2025 helicopter account of an orange orb that split, approached within about 10 feet, and “chased” fighter jets—yet the government still offers no conclusion. Kazakhstan-Japan Smart Cities: Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike visited Astana, with Tokayev highlighting Japan’s smart-city experience and inviting Kazakh firms to Japan’s SusHI Tech startup event. Super-App vs Rules: A report warns Kazakhstan’s bank-led super-app boom is outpacing consumer-rights protections, after a user says a satirical AI video led to an account block. Water Savings Push: Kazakhstan says new irrigation tech cut water use by 874 mln m³ in 2025, with subsidies boosted to accelerate adoption. Digital Asset Upgrade: KASE became Kazakhstan’s first registered digital asset platform operator under the National Bank. Legal Cooperation: Kazakhstan and Hong Kong signed extradition and mutual legal assistance agreements.

Putin–Xi Diplomacy: Putin’s Beijing visit keeps rolling with fresh energy, trade, security and diplomacy talks—Russia says it has “key parameters” for Power of Siberia 2, but no final deal or timeline yet. Kazakhstan Energy & Investment: ExxonMobil reiterated interest in long-term cooperation as Kazakhstan pushes reforms and predictable conditions for big capital. Tech & Aviation Modernization: Kazakhstan unveiled plans for biometric boarding, aerotaxis and AI cargo systems—while cybersecurity researchers warned about a China-linked Linux malware campaign hitting telecoms, including Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan–Kenya Bridge: Tokayev and Ruto used a state visit to push direct flights, GovTech/FinTech and a proposed Kenyan trade hub in Kazakhstan to reach Eurasian markets. Nuclear Cooperation: Kazakhstan and the IAEA are set to sign a 2026–2036 roadmap on nuclear safety and technical collaboration. Regional Trade Hub Talk: Central Asia’s “next major trade corridor” pitch continues, with the Caspian and Middle Corridor in focus.