President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired the 38th plenary session of the Foreign Investors’ Council, presenting an ambitious roadmap aimed at strengthening Kazakhstan’s position as a regional investment hub through digital transformation, artificial intelligence, infrastructure development, and economic diversification, DKNews.kz reports.
Addressing international investors, government officials, and business leaders, the President said Kazakhstan remains committed to sustainable development despite growing global uncertainty.
Economic Growth Continues Despite Global Challenges
Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan’s economy has remained resilient despite external pressures.
«Despite external headwinds, Kazakhstan’s GDP grew by 6.5 percent last year. Our Gross Domestic Product has now exceeded the 300-billion-dollar milestone. Kazakhstan wants to keep its leading role in Central Asia in attracting foreign direct investment. We have accumulated over 150 billion dollars in net FDI. This represents a commanding almost 70 percent of all investments in the region. This economic strength is deeply anchored in our political stability. Through a historic nationwide referendum, we passed our new Constitution which has already been named the People's Constitution. It is very symbolic that we meet today when our major Law has just entered into force. It happened yesterday. New provisions provide the highest level of protection for investor rights.»
The President said Kazakhstan remains focused on maintaining its leadership in attracting foreign direct investment across Central Asia.
New Digital Platform for Investors
Tokayev announced the launch of the National Digital Investment Platform, designed to provide investors with a seamless one-stop service.
He also highlighted the work of the Investment Board and Kazakhstan’s new Altyn Visa program.
«Our Investment Board ensures swift decision-making and comprehensive state support. Beyond institutional security, we offer practical, long-term incentives. International entrepreneurs can now fully leverage our unique Altyn Visa program. This initiative delivers enhanced tax advantages and streamlined migration procedures. However, we are not complacent and we cannot rest on our laurels. A huge amount of work lies ahead.»
Artificial Intelligence at the Center of Development
Artificial intelligence featured prominently throughout the President’s address.
Tokayev said AI has become one of the world's main engines of economic growth and that Kazakhstan intends to move quickly in this field.
«Integrating AI into our investment promotion strategy serves as a critical priority. It eliminates routine operations and establishes a smart filter. As a result, investors receive faster, more targeted, and more efficient services. According to UNCTAD, AI is projected to reach almost 5 trillion dollars by 2033. Kazakhstan intends to move fast in this direction.»
He recalled that 2026 has been declared the Year of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and noted the creation of both the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and the AI Development Council.
Building Kazakhstan’s Digital Infrastructure
The President outlined several major digital initiatives already underway.
These include:
- Two newly launched supercomputers
- The Digital Code
- The Law on Artificial Intelligence
- The Digital Qazaqstan strategy
- The future Data Center Valley project
Tokayev said major global technology companies, including Amazon and G42, have already begun securing positions within the planned digital ecosystem.
Investing in Talent
The President stressed that technological progress depends on developing human capital.
Among the initiatives highlighted were:
- Opening of Tumo and Tomorrow School through the alem.ai International Center
- New laboratories established with partners including Telegram and Presight
- Integration of AI into secondary education
- Executive AI training for government officials led by internationally recognized expert Dr. Lee Kai-Fu
- Plans to establish Central Asia’s first specialized AI university
«By investing in education, talent, and technology, we are laying the foundation for a strong national AI ecosystem.»
Digital Transformation Across Industries
Tokayev said AI and digital technologies are being deployed across multiple sectors of the economy.
Current initiatives include:
- Smart Cargo digital logistics platform
- Digital twins for oil and gas facilities
- AI-powered industrial monitoring
- End-to-end traceability systems for petroleum products
- FinTech Lab at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC)
According to the President, the AIFC continues to provide international investors with a secure legal environment based on English common law.
Critical Minerals Become Strategic Priority
The President identified critical raw materials as one of Kazakhstan’s most important long-term investment priorities.
He highlighted several initiatives, including:
- Unified Subsoil Use Platform
- Digitalization of more than 4.7 million historical geological records
- AI-assisted geological data processing
- Creation of the Regional Research Center for Rare Earth Metals in Astana
«Critical raw materials are fast emerging as the ultimate strategic resource of the new industrial era.»
Expanding Eurasian Connectivity
Transport and logistics remain another strategic priority.
Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with 13 international transport corridors crossing the country.
He said:
- Around 85% of China–Europe rail freight passes through Kazakhstan.
- More than $35 billion has been invested in transport and logistics infrastructure over the past 15 years.
- Smart Cargo is digitizing customs, logistics, and commercial services to reduce transit times and simplify cross-border trade.
Smart Agriculture
The President also outlined plans to accelerate digitalization across agriculture.
Key initiatives include:
- Precision farming
- Drone technologies
- Satellite navigation
- Automated weather stations
- Digital subsidy systems
- Smart livestock management
- AI-powered food processing
- End-to-end product traceability
Kazakhstan, he said, aims to become a regional hub for value-added agri-food production rather than simply exporting raw commodities.
Alatau Positioned as Digital City of the Future
Tokayev devoted a separate section of his address to the future development of Alatau City.
According to the President, Alatau will become Kazakhstan’s first fully digital city, built around big data, artificial intelligence, smart governance, and digital-native public services.
The city will also introduce a regulatory framework covering:
- Digital assets
- Cryptocurrency exchanges
- Asset tokenization
«We invite capital leaders to leverage our unique jurisdiction as your secure, high-yield launching pad.»
Why This Matters
The 38th Foreign Investors’ Council demonstrated Kazakhstan’s intention to position itself not only as Central Asia’s leading destination for foreign investment but also as a regional leader in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, critical minerals, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.
By combining regulatory reforms with large-scale investments in technology, education, and infrastructure, Kazakhstan is seeking to build a more diversified, innovation-driven economy while strengthening its attractiveness to global investors.
