- President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced plans to transform Kazakhstan into a “fully digital nation within 3 years,” alongside the establishment of a new Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, directly reporting to the Deputy Prime Minister level.
- The government will enact a comprehensive Digital Code on AI, big data, and platform economy, aiming to integrate AI into all economic sectors. Tokayev emphasized: “Kazakhstan has no choice but to embrace this transformation.”
- Financial reforms: establishment of a National Digital Asset Fund to create cryptocurrency reserves, adoption of a new Banking Law by the end of 2025 to promote fintech and attract new investors.
- Investment & modernization: the Prime Minister is tasked with directly overseeing capital attraction, establishing a Regional Investment Attractiveness Index, and utilizing the National Fund to finance potential projects.
- Transport infrastructure: inauguration of the Dostyk–Moyinty double-track railway, launch of the Smart Cargo platform for customs and logistics in October, and establishment of a national freight carrier in partnership with foreign entities.
- Foreign policy: maintaining a multi-vector policy, increasing cooperation with China, Türkiye, Central Asia, the EU, and the US; advocating for UN reform, especially the Security Council.
- Institutional reforms: proposal to transition to a unicameral Parliament, with a referendum scheduled for 2027.
- National priorities: developing Alatau City into an innovation hub, enacting a new Construction Code, a digital land map, food security and water management strategies; restoring the Aral Sea, protecting the Caspian Sea, and adopting water-saving technologies.
- Society: reforming the welfare system for sustainability and fairness, increasing pensions, expanding healthcare, improving financial education. Emphasizing AI education, integrating AI into general education curricula, and expanding online learning for rural students.
- International cooperation: Kazakhstan invites ASEAN, especially Thailand, to cooperate on digital technology, fintech, mining, renewable energy, water management, agriculture, tourism, education, and healthcare. Thailand can leverage its logistics and port advantages to connect with the Asia-Europe corridor.
- Kazakhstan has a GDP of $288 billion (2024), accounting for 61% of Central Asia’s economy, with a GDP per capita of $14,300. It has invested over $35 billion in transport infrastructure over the past 15 years, possesses 16 types of rare earth elements, and 220 million hectares of agricultural land – ranking 6th globally.
📌 With plans to establish an AI Ministry, enact a Digital Code, develop logistics infrastructure, and modernize institutions, Kazakhstan aims to become a fully digitalized nation within 3 years. Its $288 billion economy, 16 types of rare earth elements, and 220 million hectares of agricultural land serve as a launchpad to attract international investment. Notably, ASEAN-Kazakhstan cooperation in technology, logistics, and agriculture is seen as a strategic driver to expand supply chains from Central Asia to Southeast Asia.
