Foreign media on Kazakhstan: Chevron to increase output at oil field in Kazakhstan; Dozens of poultry farms to be built in Kazakhstan by 2027

From recent news about Chevron’s expansion of the Tengiz oil field, Kazakhstan’s growing digital exports, and plans to build dozens of poultry farms by 2027, Kazinform News Agency presents a weekly review of Kazakhstan’s coverage in foreign media.

Foreign media on Kazakhstan
Cоllage credit: Canva

The New York Times: Chevron to increase output at huge oil field in Kazakhstan

According to The New York Times, Chevron has completed an expansion at its Tengiz oil field in Kazakhstan, boosting production to about one million barrels a day, nearly 1% of global supply. Despite concerns about a shift to cleaner energy, Chevron continues investing heavily in oil production.

“We know that the global demand for oil is going to continue to grow,” said Clay Neff, Chevron's president of international exploration and production.

Tengiz, a major oil field operating for 30 years, is increasing output by 40%, with the first additional barrels already flowing. “It’s quite a remarkable oil field and one that will produce for decades to come,” Neff added.

The $49 billion expansion, ongoing for a decade and involving up to 90,000 workers, faced challenges like the pandemic and Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. Most oil is exported via Russia, making relations critical. Chevron forecasts $4–$5 billion in annual cash flow from Tengiz by 2025–2026 at $60-a-barrel prices.

Tengiz is vital to Kazakhstan, contributing 58% of oil company tax revenue in 2023, according to Kazenergy. The project, operated by the joint venture Tengizchevroil, is 50% owned by Chevron, with partners including ExxonMobil, Lukoil, and KazMunayGas.

The Times of Central Asia: Kazakhstan’s digital exports expand

Kazakhstan exported $471 million in IT services to 95 countries in the first nine months of last year, according to Zhaslan Madiyev, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, The Times of Central Asia reports.

Astana Hub, Central Asia’s largest IT startup park, is a key driver, hosting over 1,500 companies, including 400 international firms. In 2024, it generated 620 billion KZT ($1.1 billion) in revenue, with 227 billion KZT ($428 million) from exports to 92 countries. JSC “National Information Technologies” (NIT JSC), the operator of Kazakhstan’s “e-government,” also contributes to IT exports.

NIT JSC’s main exports include:

- Smart Data Ukimet: A platform for secure government data management.

- Smart Bridge: A system connecting government agencies and businesses.

- Gov.kz: A unified government platform.

Kazakhstan’s digital public services (GovTech) exports totaled $2.7 million, reaching Tajikistan, Togo, and Sierra Leone. Other exports include software, computer games, fintech solutions, and marketplaces.

“Most major exporters are foreign companies that relocated to Kazakhstan, creating jobs and boosting exports,” said Madiyev.

The country has 20 regional IT hubs and is building an international IT hub network with offices in the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the U.K.

“Kazakhstani startups now have foreign infrastructure to attract investment and expand export markets,” Madiyev noted.

A new venture capital fund, with $1 billion in expected capital, will support IT startups through the International Financial Center Astana.

Eureporter: Kazakhstan’s leap in education investment: A model for global progress

According to Eureporter, Kazakhstan is making significant strides in education, with investments in 2024 reaching nearly $1 billion—69.2% more than the previous year. Most of this funding came from the government, boosting education quality and research opportunities.

The country supports both public and private investments, offering grants, financial aid, and incentives for private universities and innovative educational projects. Partnerships with foreign institutions and crowdfunding for educational initiatives also play a key role in driving progress.

Two major education projects, supported by investors from the UAE and Singapore through KAZAKH INVEST, highlight the country’s appeal to international partners. Kazakhstan’s focus on education aims to shift from material to intellectual resources, fostering sustainable growth in the post-industrial era.

Poultry World: Dozens of poultry farms to be built in Kazakhstan by 2027

Poultry World reports that Kazakhstan plans to build 29 poultry farms with a capacity of 220,000 tons of broiler meat annually over the next two years, according to the Agricultural Ministry. These projects, spread across 12 regions, will cost KZT440 billion (US$830 million), with KZT262 billion (US$495 million) in borrowed funds.

Poultry remains one of five key food products where Kazakhstan is not yet self-sufficient, alongside sugar, cheese, sausages, and fish, said Agricultural Minister Aidarbek Saparov. The initiative is part of a broader strategy, including 780 investment projects worth KZT2.3 trillion (US$4.3 billion), to reduce reliance on imports.

The government also plans to improve food security by launching 92 storage facilities with a 690,000-tonne capacity in two years. While Kazakhstan imported 110,500 tons of poultry in the first nine months of 2024, it exported 35,300 tons, exploring Central Asian markets.

However, high production costs, at US$1.5 per kg compared to US$1.1–1.2 in countries like China and Brazil, hinder competitiveness. Analyst Rimma Gakhova pointed to expensive feed, logistics, outdated equipment, and costly loans as barriers.

“Until we lower production costs, we can forget about reducing imports and competing internationally,” she said.

Network World: AI at Work: how SOS 102 is building safer communities in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s SOS 102 app, launched in 2021, is transforming emergency response with a citizen-focused, tech-driven approach, reports Network World. It has processed over 342,500 requests, with more than 250,000 from the mobile app, showcasing its efficiency and accessibility.

The app integrates AI to prioritize urgent cases, reduce response times, and enhance trust in law enforcement. Citizens can report incidents, share multimedia evidence, and track police responses in real-time.

Before SOS 102, emergency systems relied on outdated phone lines, limiting real-time updates, transparency, and efficiency. SOS 102 addresses these gaps as part of Kazakhstan’s “Listening State” initiative, which promotes transparency and responsiveness.

Inspired by global systems like NG911 and Singapore’s AI-based solutions, SOS 102 adapts international practices to local needs, emphasizing accessibility, transparency, and real-time geolocation. Future upgrades include enhanced audio/video call features and expanded services.

SOS 102 sets a new standard for public safety, demonstrating how technology can create safer, more connected communities.

You can read last week’s weekly digest here.

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