Kazakhstan in the process of obtaining export license for Nvidia chips

Kazakhstan is setting ambitious goals for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) over the next five years. As part of the country’s AI Development Concept for 2024-2029, plans are underway to establish a supercomputer and a new data processing center, marking a significant leap in national technological infrastructure. However, U.S. export restrictions on high-performance Nvidia graphics cards—due to concerns over potential re-exports to countries like China and Russia—could pose challenges to Kazakhstan’s progress.

In an official inquiry by Kazinform News Agency, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan (hereafter referred to as the Ministry) noted that it has been actively working to navigate these challenges while advancing the country’s AI agenda.

“We are committed to forming a strong technological infrastructure in the field of artificial intelligence,” the Ministry stated, underscoring its focus on fostering a domestic ecosystem for AI growth.

Amid tightening U.S. controls on AI-related technology, Kazakhstan faces uncertainties regarding future access to the chips and other components critical for high-level AI computation. However, the Ministry remains cautiously optimistic, noting that “these restrictions are not solely directed at Kazakhstan; they apply globally to all nations,” as stated in a recent communication. Kazakhstan is currently in the process of obtaining an export license for Nvidia chips, which would enable continued development despite the restrictions.

The Ministry emphasized that there have been no official statements from the U.S. suggesting any specific changes for Kazakhstan.

“At this point, we have received no information on any additional restrictions on chip supplies to Kazakhstan,” the Ministry clarified. The Ministry also added that “re-export of components is not in our plans”in an effort to assure its commitment to complying with international regulations.

Kazinform News Agency previously reported, citing a statement from the Ministry, that Kazakhstan has adequate human resources to develop artificial intelligence systems and has already ordered supercomputer equipment from the United States.