Foreign media on Kazakhstan: A year of transformation for Kazakhstan under Tokayev’s leadership; Kazakhstan to train workforce for future NPPs
From recent news about 2024 being a year of transformation under President Tokayev, Kazakhstan plans to train a workforce for future nuclear power plants, and Fashion Bureau Almaty is shaping perceptions of Central Asia, Kazinform News Agency presents a weekly review of Kazakhstan’s coverage in foreign media.
Eureporter: 2024: A year of transformation for Kazakhstan under Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s leadership
According to Eureporter, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined the major achievements of 2024 in a 3 January interview with Ana Tili (Mother Tongue) newspaper, writes Derya Soysal, Central Asia Expert (Université libre de Bruxelles).
At the year’s start, Tokayev predicted 2024 would be pivotal for Kazakhstan. The nation launched systemic economic reforms, establishing a foundation for its five-year development plan with numerous projects and initiatives. These reforms spurred remarkable economic growth, positioning Kazakhstan as a regional power and key EU partner.
A highlight was Tokayev’s state visit to France on 5 November 2024, strengthening ties with French President Emmanuel Macron. Kazakhstan also intensified cooperation with the European Commission on critical raw materials, essential for the EU’s energy transition. A key meeting on 12 December at Euractiv’s offices brought together Kazakh officials and EU experts to advance this collaboration.
Domestically, Tokayev emphasized modernization efforts, including commissioning 18 million square meters of housing, building or repairing 7,000 kilometers of highways, and opening new passenger terminals in Almaty, Kyzylorda, and Shymkent airports. These investments strengthen Kazakhstan’s role as a bridge between Europe and Asia. Additionally, a national infrastructure plan through 2029 encompasses 204 projects worth nearly 40 trillion tenges ($81.8 billion).
Manufacturing also saw significant progress, with its industrial output rivaling the extractive sector. Farmers achieved a record harvest of 27 million tons of grain. Kazakhstan shifted toward producing and exporting high-value goods, with policies attracting foreign investments in vehicle production, food, and chemicals.
Finally, Tokayev addressed the 2024 floods, highlighting measures to prevent future disasters and emphasizing Kazakhstan’s commitment to tackling climate change.
Under Tokayev’s leadership, Kazakhstan achieved notable economic reforms, infrastructure investments, and international partnerships in 2024, reinforcing its position as a regional leader and strategic partner for Europe.
The Times of Central Asia: Kazakhstan to train workforce for future nuclear power plants
Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant (NPP) is expected to create permanent employment for approximately 2,000 people, with an additional 10,000 workers involved during its construction. This announcement was made by Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev during a recent government meeting, the Times of Central Asia reports.
The country plans to commission its first NPP by 2035. A shortlist of potential builders includes four international companies: China’s CNNC, Russia’s Rosatom, South Korea’s KHNP, and France’s EDF. Authorities have also suggested the possibility of forming a consortium involving multiple countries to leverage diverse technological solutions. Alongside these efforts, Kazakhstan intends to independently train the specialists required for NPP operations.
Minister Satkaliyev highlighted plans to establish specialized training programs in domestic colleges to develop skills for roles such as dosimetrists, steam turbine equipment mechanics, nuclear power plant maintenance and repair specialists, and IT specialists for nuclear facilities. Practical training will be conducted at the National Nuclear Center and the Institute of Nuclear Physics.
“By 2030, the NPP construction project will create around 5,000 jobs, peaking at approximately 10,000 jobs in 2032. Once operational, the first plant will provide at least 2,000 permanent positions,” Satkaliyev stated.
As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is accelerating the construction timeline for the NPP, located in the Almaty region, and plans to select a contractor in the first half of this year.
During the government meeting, which coincided with the “Year of Working Professions” initiative, Satkaliyev also addressed the broader labor demand in Kazakhstan’s energy sector. The industry is expected to require over 16,000 additional workers, including power engineers, welders, fitters, gas cutters, and electricians, by 2030. The country’s energy sector currently employs 303,000 people across 1,600 enterprises, with 99 new projects planned over the next five years.
To attract and retain talent, the Ministry of Energy aims to achieve an annual 15% wage increase for production personnel in energy-producing companies.
Meanwhile, Talgat Yergaliyev, Chairman of the Union of Builders of Kazakhstan (UBC), has called for simplifying the hiring process for foreign labor to address workforce shortages in Kazakhstan’s construction sector.
CNN Travel: Where to go in 2025: The best places to visit (Almaty, Kazakhstan)
CNN Travel reports that Central Asia’s dramatic landscapes and unique urban centers are becoming increasingly alluring. Leading the way is Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, which has recently been described as the region's new “Capital of Cool”.
It’s one of those rare cities that truly has it all — great food, thriving nightlife, a fast-growing arts and culture scene and easy access to some of the world’s most stunning, untouched landscapes, thanks to its position at the base of the Tian Shan mountains.
Almaty’s metro stations are literally works of art, the perfect complement to its world-class museums including the Abilkhan Kasteev State Art Museum, which is filled with more than 20,000 artworks and the Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture, which moves to new premises in 2025.
What to eat? Almaty is considered the birthplace of “Neo Nomad cuisine,” a blend of modern cooking techniques and traditional ingredients used by the nomadic people who reside in the country’s grasslands. Start your culinary journey at the stunning Auyl restaurant in the Medeu Valley south of the city.
Getting to Almaty is surprisingly easy, too. It can be reached via direct flights from Europe, Asia and the Middle East, while Kazakhstan offers visa-free entry to citizens of a long list of countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.
Forbes: How fashion bureau Almaty is shaping perceptions of Central Asia
Central Asia, with its rich Silk Road history, is stepping into the global spotlight as a hub for fashion, luxury, and creativity, Forbes reports. The apparel market in the region is projected to grow by nearly 5% annually, reaching $10.03 billion by 2029. Kazakhstan, in particular, is attracting international brands eager to tap into its vibrant market and cultural heritage.
Key developments, like the Venice Biennale’s 2025 event in Samarkand and two upcoming contemporary art museums in Kazakhstan, highlight the region’s rapid cultural and economic growth. At the forefront of this transformation is Saken Zhaxybayev, founder of Fashion Bureau Almaty, a key figure connecting global luxury brands with Central Asia’s unique identity. Since 2005, he has worked with brands like Bvlgari, Chopard, and Dior, creating events that blend tradition with modern luxury.
“Every project we undertake pushes boundaries,” says Zhaxybayev. “We’re not just shaping events; we’re shaping perceptions of Central Asia.” His approach emphasizes cultural storytelling, incorporating elements like traditional patterns and nomadic heritage into high-end events. “When we design an event, it’s about more than showcasing luxury products—we’re telling a story,” he explains.
Fashion Bureau Almaty acts as a cultural ambassador, fostering collaborations between global brands and local artistry. For instance, a Van Cleef team-building event integrated local craftsmanship, creating a unique dialogue between the brand and Kazakhstan’s traditions. Zhaxybayev also highlights regional collaboration with neighboring countries like Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan to amplify Central Asia’s collective voice.
While challenges like a lack of specialized professionals remain, Zhaxybayev sees these obstacles as opportunities for innovation. “We rely on creativity and intuition, which often leads to truly unique ideas.”
Looking ahead, he envisions Central Asia as a global creative hub. “This region has all the ingredients: a rich heritage, dynamic youth, and an appetite for luxury and design,” he says. His ultimate goal is to inspire the next generation of creatives while positioning Central Asia at the forefront of global fashion.
“I believe the best is yet to come,” Zhaxybayev concludes, confident in the region’s bright future as a bold, innovative, and authentic player on the world stage.
You can read last week’s weekly digest here.
