Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan's president signed a decree to boost crypto adoption by targeting gas-powered electricity for mining, offering income tax exemptions for regulated crypto transactions, and enabling cross-border stablecoin payments.

Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Court ruled President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev can seek re-election in 2029 after constitutional amendments approved via a March referendum reset term limits. The court determined his current term does not count under the new rules, which also expanded presidential powers by restructuring parliament and creating a new advisory council.

Kazakhstan's Constitutional Court ruled that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev can seek another term in 2029 due to constitutional amendments approved in a March referendum. The changes reset term limits, merged parliament's two chambers into one, and expanded presidential powers, including appointing key officials and creating the People’s Council.

The South China Morning Post will host its China Conference in Astana, Kazakhstan in September, following a Hong Kong delegation to Central Asia. This marks the first such event by a local media outlet in the region, aiming to explore new opportunities and showcase the area's dynamism.

Opec+ countries plan to increase oil production by 188,000 barrels per day in August, marking the fifth consecutive month of output hikes as fuel prices decline. The decision involves Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman.

U.S. stock futures were mixed with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq rising while the Dow fell. Oil prices declined as OPEC+ announced an August output increase of 188,000 barrels per day. SK Hynix filed a $28 billion U.S. IPO, and SpaceX shares rose ahead of joining the Nasdaq 100.

Global shares showed mixed performance as OPEC+ members agreed to increase oil production by 188,000 barrels per day in August, causing oil prices to decline. European markets rose while Asian markets were mixed, with uncertainty over supplies lingering due to stalled Iran-related talks on the Strait of Hormuz.

Global shares are mixed with European markets rising and Asian markets falling, while oil prices slipped after OPEC+ announced an August output hike. The production increase involves Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, with uncertainty over supplies due to stalled Iran talks on the Strait of Hormuz.

Asian shares and U.S. futures were mixed as technology stocks declined, while oil prices fell due to increased production by OPEC+ members including Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iraq. Uncertainty over Iran-related supply disruptions and currency fluctuations further influenced markets.

Asian shares and U.S. futures showed mixed performance as technology stocks declined in Tokyo and Seoul. Oil prices fell due to increased production by seven OPEC+ members, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, while uncertainty persisted over supply chain talks with Iran. Major stock indices in Japan, South Korea, and Australia declined or edged lower, while Hong Kong and Shanghai saw modest gains.

Asian shares and U.S. futures were mixed as technology shares declined in Tokyo and Seoul. Oil prices fell after OPEC+ members, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, agreed to increase production by 188,000 barrels per day in August. Uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz's reopening also affected energy markets.

Seven OPEC+ countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, agreed to increase oil production by 188,000 barrels per day in August to address falling prices and support market stability amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Seven OPEC+ countries, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, agreed to increase oil production by 188,000 barrels per day in August amid declining prices. The decision follows a U.S.-Iran interim deal easing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, though shipping remains below pre-war levels.

Seven OPEC+ countries, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, agreed to increase oil production by 188,000 barrels per day in August as prices fall to pre-U.S.-Iran war levels. The decision aims to stabilize markets amid ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and declining crude prices.

The US has secured a 70% stake in Kaz Resources, a company with a major tungsten deposit in Kazakhstan, a mineral critical for defense and technology. The project, backed by $1.6 billion in financing, has raised conflict-of-interest concerns over ties to figures associated with the Trump administration, which officials dispute.

Japan has pledged US$3 million to support Kazakhstan’s efforts to address the Caspian Sea’s water level decline through a partnership with the UN Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative aims to promote cooperation among Caspian Sea littoral states on water resource management and improve monitoring systems.

Russia is expecting 200,000 barrels of jet fuel from Japan, routed through South Korea’s Yeosu port, as Ukrainian strikes disrupt its fuel production. Russia also imports gasoline from India, Kazakhstan, and Belarus, but these supplies remain insufficient to meet demand.

The Trump administration's mineral deal with Kazakhstan benefits Trump's family and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnik's family. Trump's two eldest sons, part-owners of Dominari Securities, and Cantor Fitzgerald are set to profit from the Kazakh tungsten deal.

Solana Company, a Nasdaq-listed firm, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Kazakhstan's Alatau City to support its ambition of becoming a major crypto hub in Central Asia. The project is part of a $6 billion megacity initiative.

The sons of President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick may benefit from a $1.6 billion mining deal in Kazakhstan, as their family businesses helped secure the agreement, according to a report.

The article discusses a wifi outage when Eurostar arrived in Britain and criticizes UK planning laws for resulting in a mobile network worse than Kazakhstan's. The author is TOM TUGENDHAT.

A key oil field in Kazakhstan has reduced its oil output following drone attacks on a Russian plant. The article mentions an oil drilling rig, indicating the impact on oil infrastructure.

Ukraine’s strikes on Russian refineries and oil depots are causing fuel shortages in Russia, leading to sales restrictions and efforts to import petrol from Kazakhstan. Analysts warn this could disrupt military logistics, reveal transport network weaknesses, and erode public morale as economic pressures mount.

Russia has requested 50,000 metric tons of AI-92 gasoline from Kazakhstan to address domestic fuel shortages caused by Ukrainian drone strikes and unscheduled refinery outages. Despite being a major fuel exporter, Russia now seeks imports due to reduced gasoline production.

Scene Power International Holding, a Qatari conglomerate, is investing in Syria's reconstruction with agriculture, aviation, energy, and tourism projects, including a new Damascus airport terminal. The company also operates in Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Ethiopia, and has partnered with Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump on an Albanian resort.

A US-Saudi mining investment program initially focused on African mineral supply chains is now targeting Central Asian resources to support Iran's postwar reconstruction. The $9 billion MOU between Burkhan World and Grand Mines has shifted to prioritize Kazakhstan and Pakistan's minerals, aligning with a new $300 billion US-Iran reconstruction fund. Saudi officials emphasize enabling Iran to operate outside sanctions while rebuilding its economy.

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and Hong Kong’s bourse are engaging with mining companies in Kazakhstan to explore dual-listing opportunities following a successful debut. AIFC governor Renat Bekturov highlighted partnerships signed with Hong Kong during Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s recent visit to Central Asia.

A Brussels court sentenced Belgian-Russian national Victor Labin to five years in prison for illegally exporting dual-use goods and chemicals to Russia. Labin and a Brussels-based entrepreneur falsified customs documents and routed shipments through Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. His son, Ruslan Labin, was sentenced in absentia to six years for acting as an intermediary in imports to Moscow.

Kazakhstan is promoting Almaty to Hong Kong travelers through rocket launch events and participation in the 40th International Travel Expo. Six Kazakhstan-based operators showcased the city at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, coinciding with new direct flights to the region despite Middle East conflict impacts on global tourism.

Hong Kong’s business community signed six agreements with Kazakhstan to support the development of Alatau City, a hi-tech and economic hub. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a gateway to global capital and the mainland Chinese market for the project.

Pakistan’s exports to five Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) fell by 8.62% year-on-year in the first 10 months of 2025-26, driven by the closure of the Afghanistan land route. Exports via Iran remain limited due to distance, while Uzbekistan’s transit trade agreement with Pakistan saw a 38.27% increase in exports, offsetting declines in other countries.

A spider camera crashed near the touchline during a football friendly match between Hungary and Kazakhstan.

Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu led a business delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, securing 96 cooperation agreements worth over US$1.65 billion. This marks the first time a Hong Kong chief executive has led a mission to Central Asia, signaling a significant economic pivot.

Kazakhstan, practicing a 'multi-vector' foreign policy to balance relations with major powers, is diversifying its economic and financial strategies. While previously focusing on the UAE as a financial hub, the country now emphasizes Hong Kong as a key partner in its financial ambitions.

OPEC+ agreed to increase oil production quotas by 188,000 barrels per day in July, with Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman approving the move to support market stability and address elevated prices. Analysts remain skeptical about the decision's effectiveness amid ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Hong Kong signed 96 agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan worth US$1.65 billion during a visit by city leader John Lee Ka-chiu, aiming to strengthen government and business ties. An agreement with Uzbekistan was initiated to enable new direct airline routes, following Cathay Pacific Airways' announcement.

Two universities in Hong Kong signed partnership agreements with Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan during a visit by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu. The move aims to deepen academic collaboration and strengthen people-to-people ties between the regions.

China is one of the world’s largest buyers of gold as central banks shift towards the precious metal, which has overtaken US Treasuries in global reserves. The European Central Bank reported that China was the fourth-largest per-country buyer in 2025 after Poland, Kazakhstan, and Brazil, purchasing 25 tonnes, with total purchases exceeding 350 tonnes.

China and Kazakhstan agreed to establish a joint grain-trading platform during talks in Astana, with discussions also covering long-term supply contracts, logistics hubs, dry ports, and technology cooperation in storage and processing. The platform is expected to be modeled on China’s state-managed system.

Freedom Holding Corp., a Nasdaq-listed company, is transitioning to a unified brand architecture by phasing out descriptive prefixes like 'Bank' and 'Broker' in favor of the single 'Freedom' brand. The rebranding centers on the Freedom SuperApp, a digital platform offering integrated financial, insurance, telecommunications, and lifestyle services, aiming to simplify customer navigation across its ecosystem.