Kazakhstan is steadily moving toward a new economic model - one built on artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and long-term investment. These priorities were at the center of the interim meeting of the Foreign Investors Council under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, DKNews.kz reports.
The agenda focused on investor support and the joint development of next-generation high-tech industries in Kazakhstan through the wide application of artificial intelligence and digital solutions.
Proactive investment policy and digital momentum
Following the instructions of the Head of State, the Government is implementing a proactive investment policy. The development of artificial intelligence and digital transformation has been defined as one of Kazakhstan’s national priorities.
To achieve these goals, a comprehensive institutional framework has been established. A Presidential Council on Artificial Intelligence Development with international experts has been created, and a Digital штаб is operating. To strengthen the digital cluster, the international Alem.ai Artificial Intelligence Center has been launched. At the same time, major infrastructure projects are underway, including the Data Center Valley and the Astana Hub ecosystem.
To scale up technological initiatives, a Venture Investment Fund has been launched as a startup accelerator. As a result, companies valued at over $1 billion - including Playrix, Mytona, and NetCracker - have already entered the Kazakh market.
Addressing the participants, the Prime Minister emphasized the strategic importance of the digital agenda:
“The strategy being implemented in line with the instructions of the President of the country is aimed at accelerated development of the digital sector and increasing IT services exports to $1.2 billion this year. Overall, digital transformation and the development of artificial intelligence are key elements for us in ensuring sustainable economic growth, improving the efficiency of public administration, and enhancing the quality of life of citizens. At the same time, the Government is open to constructive dialogue with investors across all sectors and is ready to jointly discuss solutions that contribute to your success and the development of our country”.
“Golden visa”, cloud regulation, and tax changes
The meeting also reviewed progress on instructions issued following the 37th plenary session of the Council. In 2025, new rules for issuing investor visas were approved as part of efforts to enhance Kazakhstan’s investment attractiveness. A “golden visa” was introduced, granting foreign nationals the right to reside in Kazakhstan for up to 10 years.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alibek Kuantyrov reported that measures are being taken to regulate the use of certified cloud services, taking national security requirements into account. In addition, meetings were held with representatives of the Foreign Investors Council to explain amendments to the Tax Code and discuss issues raised by foreign investors.
Digital Code and domestic language models
Progress in preparing for the 38th plenary session was presented by Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Digital Development and Artificial Intelligence Zhaslan Madiyev.
According to him, Kazakhstan has already formed the legal and technological foundation for becoming a digital state. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed the Digital Code. Artificial intelligence-based solutions are being introduced consistently, while domestic large language models and government digital services are actively developing. Special emphasis is placed on human capital development and strengthening the digital cluster.
Artificial intelligence in energy: tangible results
Special attention was given to the introduction of digital solutions in the energy sector. The effectiveness of AI-based defectoscopy of overhead power lines was highlighted as a successful case.
Within a pilot project, 618 power transmission line towers were inspected in just two days. More than 2,000 images were processed, and nearly 7,000 defects were identified. The accuracy of recognizing standard types of damage reached 98%, including contamination and cracking of insulators, deformation of towers, missing fasteners, and risks of line breaks.
The integration of thermal imaging and LiDAR systems further enhanced digitalization effects, enabling a shift to comprehensive diagnostics.
In heating networks, robotic in-pipe diagnostics based on acoustic resonance are being implemented. This technology allows pipelines to be inspected internally without excavation and enables targeted repairs. A pilot project in Shymkent in 2025 demonstrated savings of over 70% when inspecting 1.2 km of heating networks.
In the gas sector, an AI assistant has been introduced into a mobile application to automatically recognize gas meter readings from photographs. The solution has proven effective in reducing operator workload and minimizing errors caused by the human factor.
Open dialogue with investors
A wide range of issues was discussed during the open dialogue with foreign investors.
Marubeni Corporation expressed interest in Japanese companies’ participation in artificial intelligence and digital technology projects, including their application to support socially vulnerable groups. The Ministry of Digital Development and Artificial Intelligence cited practical AI use cases based on the Digital Family Card within Smart Data Ukimet, as well as the development of the Social Wallet.
Polpharma raised issues related to patient safety and combating counterfeit medicines. The Ministry of Healthcare reported that mandatory drug labeling was introduced on July 1, 2024, and plans are underway to implement a risk-based mechanism for selecting medicines for market withdrawal.
Representatives of CNPC, EY, JP Morgan, and Kazzinc (Glencore) also raised issues related to oil transportation tariffs, modernization of data localization and cross-border transfer requirements, taxation in the mining and metals sector, and other matters.
Following the meeting, the Prime Minister instructed government bodies and organizations, together with the Kazakhstan Foreign Investors Council Association, to thoroughly work through all voiced issues and recommendations.
Meetings with EBRD and Beeline Kazakhstan
Within the framework of the Council, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov also held meetings with heads of foreign companies.
At a meeting with Managing Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for Central Asia and Mongolia Hussein Ozhan, prospects for strategic cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EBRD were discussed. Over the entire period of the Bank’s operations in the country, a portfolio of 345 projects totaling more than $12 billion has been formed.
A new format of interaction with international financial institutions was also considered. Going forward, this work will be coordinated by a Coordination Council chaired by the Prime Minister. The Government confirmed its readiness to provide full support for the uninterrupted implementation of joint initiatives.
During a meeting with President of Beeline Kazakhstan Evgeny Nastradin, issues related to further development of digital infrastructure and the implementation of VEON Group projects in Kazakhstan were discussed. The company serves more than 11 million subscribers and actively participates in initiatives aimed at digital inclusion and improving digital literacy.
The Prime Minister confirmed the Government’s readiness to provide the necessary support and instructed relevant ministries to work through the proposals raised, including the launch of new innovative projects using artificial intelligence and digital solutions.
