AGP Executive Report

EU-Kazakhstan Strategic Push: President Tokayev’s Brussels visit deepened cooperation on trade, energy, transport, digitalization and emerging tech, with leaders backing the Trans-Caspian corridor and a Horizontal Aviation deal. AI Supply-Chain Politics: The US-led Pax Silica expanded as Kazakhstan joined a growing group of countries aiming to secure AI-related technology supplies, while experts warn Europe risks losing AI independence. Rail Connectivity Upgrade: Starlink satellite internet launched on the Astana–Semey–Dostyk rail route, improving online access in areas without mobile coverage. Water Security Tech: Kazakhstan plans staged aerial snowpack monitoring with US partners, starting in the Zhabay River basin to improve flood early warning and runoff forecasting. Digital + Finance Expansion: Kaspi.kz received Turkish regulator approval to acquire Rabobank A.Ş., targeting completion in July 2026. Sustainable Tech in Atyrau: Atyrau Oil and Gas University and China’s AIKO will build a Zero-Carbon Smart Agriculture Demonstration Park combining renewables, AI, and smart irrigation. Middle Corridor Boost: Aktau port dredging is underway to raise draft and expand TITR capacity, supporting higher cargo throughput. Regional Trade Deal: Kazakhstan and the UAE plan to expand economic ties via an EAEU-UAE free trade framework that cuts duties on most goods.

EU-Kazakhstan Dealmaking: Tokayev’s Brussels talks pushed deeper cooperation in trade, investment, energy, transport and supply-chain resilience, with new connectivity and aviation steps under the EPCA and Global Gateway. Sustainable Aviation Fuel: MAIRE’s Nextchem signed an MoU with Samruk-Kazyna and ACIK to explore a Kazakhstan SAF platform using local HEFA feedstocks, including infrastructure and AIFC investment options. AI Infrastructure Push: SuperX AI Technology met Kazakhstan’s PM to discuss a phased 1GW AI computing park (200MW in 2027, scaling to 1GW by 2029) aimed at building Central Asia’s digital capacity. Transport Boost: Aktau Port dredging is set to start in the second half of July, with draft depth rising to 6–7m and TITR capacity projected to grow from 6 to 10 million tons by 2028. Digital Smart Grids: Kazakhstan and UNDP are preparing a demand-driven digital smart grid project focused on energy market aggregators, consumer digital profiles, and cybersecurity. Cybersecurity: Europol-led action disrupted Amadey and StealC infrastructure, recovering 27M stolen logins and targeting malware distribution servers/domains. Finance Sector: S&P upgraded Freedom Holding Corp. subsidiaries to “BB-” with stable outlooks, citing improved risk management and capitalization. Climate & Safety: East Kazakhstan plans AI-assisted forest-fire detection, while Kazakhstan’s climate agenda aligns with UN priorities and regional resilience efforts.

AI Infrastructure: SuperX is considering building an AI data center cluster in Kazakhstan with up to 1 GW of power, discussed with PM Olzhas Bektenov at Summer Davos in Dalian. EV Mobility: Green SM launched an all-electric ride-hailing service in Kazakhstan, starting in Almaty with VinFast VF 6 Eco SUVs and a driver-training rollout plan. Digital Finance: Kaspi.kz received Turkish regulator approval (BDDK) to acquire Rabobank A.Ş., targeting a July 2026 close. Logistics & Connectivity: CHEC is gearing up for Aktau Port dredging; major work starts in July and aims to boost navigational draft to 6–7 meters by end-2026, supporting the Middle Corridor. EU-Kazakhstan Deals: Tokayev’s Brussels visit highlighted aviation, visa facilitation talks, and a €7.145B Air Astana aircraft order, alongside broader transport and critical-minerals cooperation. Climate Risk in Central Asia: RESILAND CA+ dialogue began in Bishkek to coordinate climate-risk reduction and resilient landscape management across the region. Energy Waste: World Bank says global gas flaring hit 167 bcm in 2025, costing about $54B and worsening energy shortages. Cyber/Finance Risk: S&P upgraded Freedom Holding Corp. subsidiaries to “BB-” with stable outlooks, citing improved risk management including sanctions compliance and cybersecurity.

EU–Kazakhstan Tech & Transport Deal: In Brussels, President Tokayev and EU leaders (Costa, von der Leyen) backed deeper strategic cooperation, with focus on Trans-Caspian connectivity, critical raw materials, digitalisation and new technologies, plus a Horizontal Aviation Agreement and progress on visa facilitation/readmission. Middle Corridor Push: Kazakhstan plans major dredging at Aktau Port by end-2026 to boost Middle Corridor capacity (aiming 6→10 mln tons annually by 2028). Road & Corridor Funding: The EBRD approved up to €230M for upgrades on a 234 km Aktobe–Ulgaisyn road section, using digital tech to improve flows along the Trans-Caspian corridor. AI & Digital Governance Spotlight: Kazakhstan showcased its digital transformation and AI governance at a UN event, highlighting platforms like Smart Data Ukimet and eGov.GPT and an AI-Native Government direction. Rare Earths Sales Hub: Lindian Resources is setting up a Singapore office to bring rare earths marketing in-house for future Kazakhstan output. Safety & Health: Kazakhstan reported a 8.4% drop in road-accident mortality over three years, despite more crashes and casualties.

EU–Kazakhstan Strategic Deal: Tokayev met EU leaders in Brussels and the sides signed a joint strategic declaration plus agreements on aviation access, visa facilitation/readmission, and €150m EIB support for Trans-Caspian rail/road upgrades, with a push on critical raw materials, energy, transport, digitalisation and emerging tech. AI & Science Link-Up: Kazakhstan and Belgium signed cooperation documents on AI, science, higher education and space technologies, including a plan for a mirror lab in Kazakhstan focused on math, AI, modeling and engineering computing. Transport Corridor Upgrade: EBRD approved up to €230m (yen equivalent) for a 234 km Aktobe–Ulgaisyn road upgrade to a dual-carriageway highway with intelligent transport systems, strengthening the Middle Corridor/Trans-Caspian route. Digital Trade Framework: Türkiye completed ratification of a Turkic digital economy partnership agreement, set to enter into force after Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan finish approvals, aiming to reduce barriers for e-commerce and cross-border data-based activity. Green Mobility: Green SM launched an all-electric ride-hailing service in Almaty with VinFast VF 6 Eco vehicles, expanding EV mobility in Central Asia. Food & Water Security: Kazakhstan released over 1 million juvenile sturgeon into the Ural River to restore Caspian fish stocks, while a new Almaty region agro-plant will process apples and produce pectin for export. Public Safety: Aktobe police opened a case after mass poisoning at a wedding in Kandyagash, with 102 people hospitalized.

Kazakhstan–EU Push: President Tokayev begins a strategic visit to Brussels, urging “much more” from the EU partnership and flagging energy, critical raw materials, AI, logistics and green tech as the next growth lanes. Digital Trade in the Turkic World: Türkiye ratifies a Turkic states digital economy partnership deal, aiming to cut e-commerce barriers and standardize cross-border digital rules—pending Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan approvals. Water Security Research: Kazakhstan and Afghanistan plan a Kabul-based educational and research center on water resources management, irrigation and sustainable agriculture, with joint training and research. Public Safety Tech: Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry opens a drone operator training lab to teach unmanned aerial systems for patrols, search-and-rescue and crime-scene documentation. Climate Resilience in Central Asia: Kyrgyzstan hosts a RESILAND CA+ regional dialogue on mudflow and flood risk reduction, bringing together governments and research partners from across the region. Caspian Ecology Warning: Reports highlight shrinking Caspian Sea levels and seal deaths, pointing to climate change plus pollution and human pressures. Startup Capital Signal: Alem Capital backs Sturgeon Capital’s Central Asia VC fund-of-funds, marking a first publicly disclosed Kazakh institutional bet on regional tech startups.

Space Science: NASA astronaut Anil Menon (ISS Soyuz MS-29) plans controlled tests during spacewalks to see whether bacteria can survive outside the station, with results meant for public release. Kazakhstan–Afghanistan Water & Research: Kazakhstan’s universities will help set up a Kabul center focused on water resources, irrigation, sustainable agriculture, and joint training/research. Public Safety Tech: Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry opened a drone operator training lab for police, covering theory, simulators, and real operational tasks like search-and-rescue and crime-scene documentation. AI Infrastructure Deal: Kazakhstan signed agreements with U.S. NVIDIA and Firebird for the Data Center Valley project, up to $10B, as the country pushes its “Year of AI” agenda. Kazakhstan–EU Push: Tokayev’s Brussels trip targets implementation of the strategic partnership, with priorities including resilience, connectivity, and new opportunities for citizens. Venture Capital: Alem Capital backed Sturgeon Capital’s $25M Central Asia VC fund-of-funds bet, signaling more institutional money into regional tech startups. Mining & Industry: Kazakhstan discussed importing Afghan aquamarine and zinc ore for processing in Kazakh facilities, leveraging local expertise in beryllium-bearing minerals. Education for Water Sector: Two Kazakh colleges launched new tracks to train hydrologists and hydraulic engineers, expanding the pipeline for water-industry specialists. Archaeology: A Karaganda burial mound revealed two layers from different cultures, including an Early Iron Age Tasmalin burial and an older Nurin cremation site.

AI Infrastructure Deal: Kazakhstan signed up to $10B in AI and digital infrastructure agreements with U.S. NVIDIA and Firebird for the Data Center Valley, with a first $5B phase and plans for operations starting in 2027. Education & Skills: Two more colleges will train hydrologists and hydraulic engineers, expanding hands-on internships for the water sector. Language Policy: Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science says the Latin-based Kazakh alphabet is still being refined, with approval timelines expected after further work on specific letters and spelling rules. Regional Tech & Trade: Kazakhstan and U.S. AI companies also signed major agreements, while Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan talks focused on education partnership and AI in learning. Energy & Environment: A new study links Caspian Sea shrinkage mainly to human river damming and diversions, not just rainfall changes. Archaeology & Heritage: A burial mound near Karaganda revealed traces of two cultures from the Early Iron Age and earlier Nurin-era remains. Water & Cooperation: Kazakhstan and Afghanistan pushed trade and industrial cooperation, targeting $3B in bilateral turnover.

AI Infrastructure Deal: Kazakhstan signed a $10B AI infrastructure package with Firebird and Nvidia support, including a Data Center Valley plan starting with a 125MW phase in 2027 and up to $5B more later, aiming to make Astana a major Eurasian digital hub. Energy & Industry Policy: Malaysia’s Sarawak urged the federal government to offer stronger incentives to speed up hydrogen and semiconductor investment, arguing local manufacturing will drive tax returns. Kazakhstan–Afghanistan Trade Push: Astana and Kabul are targeting $3B in bilateral trade, with plans to cut logistics and certification barriers and expand e-commerce, plus talks on mining, agriculture, transport, banking, and even local-currency use. Digital Justice Cooperation: Kazakhstan’s Supreme Court met Turkic States’ legal leadership, discussing inter-court cooperation, judicial digital technologies, training, and AI in justice. Space/Science Spotlight: Kazakhstan’s AI momentum continues as the week also highlighted new research and tech activity, including a Quantum AI lab opening at KazNU. Heritage & Discovery: Archaeologists reported a new ancient Turkic runic inscription in Kazakhstan, while conservation news covered Amur tiger reintroduction steps with satellite tracking planned.

AI Infrastructure Deal: Kazakhstan signed $10B AI infrastructure agreements with Firebird and Nvidia support, with a Data Center Valley plan starting at a $5B first phase (125MW) and aiming to make Astana a major Eurasian digital hub. Trade & Connectivity: Kazakhstan and Afghanistan are pushing toward a $3B bilateral trade target, with talks in Kabul focused on removing logistics and certification barriers, expanding e-commerce, and boosting banking and transit links. Regional Tech & Security: At an SCO media forum in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan urged stronger SCO cooperation on media contacts, digital tech and information security, amid concerns about misinformation and hostile platform use. Judicial Digitalization: Kazakhstan’s Supreme Court chief met Turkic Council counterparts to expand inter-court cooperation, including digital technologies in justice and AI-related practices. Archaeology: A Margulan Institute team found an ancient Turkic runic inscription in Zhambyl Region, digitally recorded and now being studied for dating and context. Science & Society: A Japanese study suggests paper reading helps later recall and complex integration compared with starting on tablets. Environment & Nature: Kazakhstan named four Amur tigers for a reintroduction effort, with satellite tracking planned after an adaptation period.

Judicial Digitalization: Kazakhstan’s Supreme Court chief met the CSTO/ Turkic legal leadership in Astana, pushing inter-court cooperation and more digital tech in justice, plus training and support for investment and transport projects. Afghanistan Trade & Transit: Deputy PM Serik Zhumangarin led talks in Kabul where the Taliban-backed side urged faster rollout of a roadmap to lift bilateral trade toward $3B, focusing on banking, logistics, mining, rail and local-currency use. AI & Quantum in Education: KazNU opened a Quantum AI lab with seven quantum systems, while Kazakhstan also keeps expanding AI infrastructure partnerships. Uranium & Mining Progress: Alligator Energy reported a 67% uranium resource jump at its Samphire project, moving toward a BFS in 2027. Crypto Regulation Watch: Oman launched Omanhash, a mandatory national Bitcoin mining pool for licensed operators—an approach similar to Kazakhstan’s push for centralized oversight. Tourism & Conservation: Balkhash Tour Fest drew ~35,000 visitors and boosted volunteer action, while four Amur tigers were named and moved into adaptation enclosures in Kazakhstan ahead of possible release. Regional Connectivity: The Middle Corridor push continues, with plans to triple freight volumes via rail and port upgrades across Central Asia and the Caspian route.

Kazakhstan AI & research: KazNU has opened a “Quantum AI” lab with seven quantum computing systems delivered with support from SpinQ Technology, pushing the country’s push into next-gen computing. Digital transformation & media security: At the SCO Media Forum in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan’s media officials discussed AI-driven content and deepfake/fake-news countermeasures, while Russia urged SCO states to build their own digital platforms to reduce dependence on Western tech. Crypto regulation in the region: Oman launched Omanhash, a mandatory national Bitcoin mining pool for all licensed miners, with Enegix Global providing the tech and liquidity infrastructure—an approach similar to Kazakhstan-style centralized oversight. Energy & uranium sector: Alligator Energy reported a 67% jump in uranium resources for its Samphire project in South Australia, moving toward a bankable feasibility study in 2027. Water & disaster resilience: Kyrgyzstan and partners plan a June 24–26 regional dialogue in Bishkek on harmonizing policies and digital tools for coordinated disaster prevention and response across Central Asia. Healthcare policy: Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s large-scale free medical care guarantees and a major rural healthcare modernization push, while noting the need for urgent infrastructure renovation.

Kazakhstan–Greece Talks: Astana and Athens discussed expanding trade, investment, and a new round of economic and technological cooperation, with priorities including renewable energy, transport/logistics, metallurgy, agro-industry, waste recycling, pharma, tourism, and digital tech. Kazakhstan–Montenegro Digital Push: During Tokayev’s talks with Montenegro’s Milatović, both sides agreed to deepen cooperation and implement agreements in trade, transport, tourism, education, and digitalization, citing Kazakhstan’s digital transformation as a model. Quantum AI in KazNU: KazNU opened a Quantum AI lab with seven quantum computing systems delivered with support from SpinQ Technology. Healthcare Modernization: Tokayev said Kazakhstan’s free medical care program and maternity benefits are unique, while calling for a large-scale renovation of healthcare infrastructure after many facilities exceeded service life limits. SCO Media & Digital Security: At an SCO media forum in Kyrgyzstan, officials argued for SCO countries to build their own digital platforms and strengthen defenses against fake news and deepfakes. Omanhash Bitcoin Pool: Oman launched Omanhash, a mandatory national Bitcoin mining pool for all licensed miners, centralizing monitoring of earnings and power use—mirroring Kazakhstan-style regulatory control. Kazakhstan Digital Reading: The Kazakh National Digital Library reported rapid growth in users and downloads, with materials available in 70 languages. RESILAND Disaster Response: Kyrgyzstan will host a regional dialogue on harmonizing policies and building digital tools for transboundary natural disaster prevention and response. Middle Corridor Upgrade: New recommendations aim to triple Middle Corridor freight capacity by 2028–2032 via rail bypasses, direct links, and port upgrades, including at Aktau.

Healthcare Modernization: President Tokayev says Kazakhstan must launch a massive overhaul of healthcare infrastructure after 14,000+ facilities exceeded service life limits, while noting progress like a 35% drop in maternal mortality and a 24% fall in infant mortality. AI Infrastructure Deal: Firebird and Kazakhstan’s government signed an up-to-$10B agreement to build a national AI computing and research ecosystem, with NVIDIA support and plans for advanced computing, cloud tech, and scientific work. Critical Minerals & Rare Earths: Kazakhstan is positioning itself in the rare earths race as an alternative to China’s dominance in processing and refining. Digital Language Push: Kazakh-language content now makes up 78% of online media, with 60% of internet resources in Kazakh and 70%+ of domestic TV broadcasts in the state language. SCO Media & AI: At the SCO media forum in Kyrgyzstan, officials discussed AI, deepfakes, and disinformation, including proposals for a common SCO media bank and shared information-security efforts. Monetary Policy: The National Bank signals room for further easing as inflation cools toward ~10%, while keeping the tenge stable. Industrial Partnerships: Uzbekistan and South Korea agreed to expand industrial clusters, infrastructure, and biotech/pharma cooperation at TIIF-2026. Energy Tech Manufacturing: Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic launched a facility producing gas-cleaning and industrial filtration equipment for energy plants. Drug Trafficking Crackdown: Kazakhstan referred nearly 12,000 drug-related websites for blocking via Cybernadzor since the start of 2026.

AI Infrastructure Deal: Firebird and Kazakhstan’s government signed a strategic package worth up to $10B to build next-gen national AI infrastructure, advanced computing, cloud tech, and a digital ecosystem, with NVIDIA support and a major computing center planned in Astana. Digital Governance & Cyber: Kazakhstan referred nearly 12,000 drug-related websites for blocking via the Cybernadzor system since the start of 2026, while authorities also moved to disrupt financial flows tied to online trafficking. Space & Science: Indian-American astronaut Anil Menon is set for a July 14 launch from Baikonur to the ISS, aiming for about 200 days in orbit on a Soyuz mission. Blockchain Finance Push: Binance founder CZ urged governments to tokenize stock markets and issue national stablecoins backed by fiat, framing it as a shift to on-chain finance. Energy & Industry: Kazakhstan approved an Aktau ammonia-urea complex worth about $1.6B, targeting fertilizer production from 2030. Ancient Heritage Tech Tourism: Archaeologists at Karakabak in Mangistau say new finds point to Silk Road-era trade links, with plans to fold the site into tourism routes.

AI Infrastructure Deal: Kazakhstan signed a $10B Data Center Valley package with NVIDIA and Firebird.ai near Ekibastuz, aiming for a 125MW Phase 1 build and a planned cluster of 100,000 GPUs, with a target launch in 2027. Digital Policy Push: The deal is tied to Kazakhstan’s “Digital Qazaqstan” strategy and the broader Year of AI push, as officials try to turn pilots in public services into a working innovation ecosystem. Trade & Tech Links: Kazakhstan opened the Jiangsu Provincial Center in Astana to help Chinese firms operate across the region, support e-commerce, and expand cooperation in logistics, agro-processing, petrochemicals, and digital technologies. Regional Security Tech: CSTO defense officials met in St. Petersburg to advance joint electronic warfare capabilities, including a unified interstate EW system and joint training plans involving Kazakhstan. Crypto Regulation: Oman launched a mandatory national Bitcoin mining pool (Omanhash.om) for licensed miners, signaling a more state-controlled, trackable model. Energy & Geopolitics: A week of coverage also highlighted Shell’s leadership change in Nigeria, with Elohor Aiboni named Executive VP and Country Chair effective Aug 1, 2026.