When global investors decide where to place billions of dollars, they look beyond tax incentives. Political stability, legal certainty, digital infrastructure and long-term government strategy often matter even more.
That is exactly the message Kazakhstan sought to deliver at the latest meeting of the Council for Improving the Investment Climate, chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.
Against the backdrop of the country's constitutional transformation, the government presented Kazakhstan as a market entering a new phase of development — one built on institutional reforms, digitalization and artificial intelligence.
A new constitutional framework for business
Speaking to international business leaders, Bektenov described the current moment as a turning point for Kazakhstan.
“Our meeting with you is taking place at a historic moment for our country. Under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstan has entered a completely new stage of its development. The Constitution adopted at the national referendum has become the foundation for the systematic continuation of large-scale reforms to build a Just and Progressive Kazakhstan. Today, a progressive reboot of the entire legal system is continuing, aimed, among other things, at the consistent and sustainable development of the economy.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that the constitutional changes are not only political reforms but also part of a broader effort to create a more predictable environment for investment.
From July 1, Kazakhstan officially began implementing its new constitutional model. Elections to the country's new legislative body, the Kurultai, have been scheduled, while the Secretariat of the Kazakhstan Halyq Kenesi has already been established. The Constitutional Court has also clarified how the new constitutional provisions on single-term appointments apply to key state officials.
According to Bektenov, this clarification provides legal certainty that investors value.
“The Constitutional Court, by its decision, gave a clear and unequivocal interpretation that the single-term restriction applies only to those appointed or elected to the respective positions after the new Constitution entered into force, that is, after 1st July of this year. This legal clarity removes a number of questions from the agenda, both domestically and internationally. I believe it also sends a positive signal to investors, for whom the stability and predictability of the political and legal system are of fundamental importance.”
Stability becomes Kazakhstan's investment message
Government officials stressed that constitutional reform is supported by society, arguing that political stability remains one of the country's strongest competitive advantages.
According to recent sociological surveys presented during the meeting, more than 87% of Kazakhstan's citizens believe the country is moving in the right direction.
Bektenov said public support strengthens confidence in the government's long-term reform agenda.
“Public confidence in the chosen political course is a key factor in the continued successful implementation of the President’s reforms. The new constitutional model and the consistency of our reform agenda therefore provide a strong foundation for the further modernization of the economy, the expansion of international partnerships, and the continued strengthening of Kazakhstan’s investment appeal. Distinguished colleagues, in light of the new Constitution, our cooperation is also entering a new stage. I am confident that the political and economic transformation underway in Kazakhstan will give powerful new impetus to the development of a long-term and mutually beneficial partnership.”
Betting big on artificial intelligence
While constitutional reforms framed the political discussion, technology became the central economic theme of the meeting.
Kazakhstan has declared 2026 the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, signaling that digital transformation is now one of the government's top priorities.
The country has already adopted a Digital Code, a Law on Artificial Intelligence and a Law on Cybersecurity. The government has also approved the National Strategy Digital Qazaqstan through 2029 and introduced new mechanisms for trusted cross-border data exchange, including Cloud First Policy and Data Embassy initiatives.
One of the largest announcements remains the $10 billion agreement with Firebird AI under the flagship Data Center Valley project, aimed at building AI infrastructure capable of serving both domestic and international markets.
To accelerate implementation, the government has established a Digital Headquarters tasked with resolving issues faced by technology companies and investors.
“President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has set the task of building a full-fledged digital country. Digital transformation and the development of AI are an important element of sustainable economic growth, improving the efficiency of public administration, and the quality of life of citizens for us. We highly value the contribution of foreign partners to strengthening the country’s business climate. The Government is open to constructive dialogue with investors in all areas to achieve mutually beneficial results.”
Global companies bring practical recommendations
The meeting brought together representatives of major international businesses already operating in Kazakhstan.
Among the speakers were representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan, the US Embassy, Baker McKenzie, Apple, Siemens Kazakhstan and Honeywell.
Rather than discussing investment in general terms, business leaders focused on practical issues affecting companies working in digital industries.
The discussion covered implementation of the Digital Code, regulation of online platforms, development of public cloud infrastructure, personal data protection, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital transformation of industry and improving regulatory efficiency.
US Ambassador Julie Stafft highlighted the importance of maintaining open dialogue between government institutions and business, particularly on digital regulation and cross-border data flows.
Government officials responsible for digital development and information policy responded to the proposals, indicating that recommendations from investors would be considered as part of ongoing regulatory work.
Kazakhstan looks beyond traditional investment
The meeting demonstrated how Kazakhstan is repositioning itself in the global competition for capital.
Rather than relying solely on natural resources, the government is increasingly promoting institutional reforms, legal predictability and digital infrastructure as key investment advantages.
Closing the meeting, Prime Minister Bektenov reaffirmed that Kazakhstan intends to remain an open destination for international investors while continuing to modernize its economy.
The government, he said, will continue working with the business community to improve digital regulation, strengthen cybersecurity, develop innovative infrastructure and create transparent, predictable conditions for long-term investment.
As competition for global capital intensifies, Kazakhstan is making a clear bet that constitutional reform and digital transformation together can become the country's strongest investment proposition for the decade ahead.
