Week in Brief: 10 key developments shaping Kazakhstan this week
This week in Astana and beyond, Kazinform News Agency presents a roundup of the top headlines that shaped the past seven days in Kazakhstan.

1. President Tokayev meets with Special Advisor to Prime Minister of Japan Akihisa Nagashima
The Kazakh leader pointed out considerable potential for greater trade and economic, investment as well as scientific and technological cooperation between the nations. Akihisa Nagashima confirmed Tokyo’s firm commitment to further strengthening of Kazakh-Japanese multifaceted relations.
2. Water Diplomacy: Kazakhstan to receive $11B from Central Asian countries
Water will be supplied to the Shardara Reservoir located in Turkistan region, along the Syrdarya River. Of this amount, 1.6 billion cubic meters will be delivered to the Aral Sea.
3. Kazakhstan needs high-quality investments based on latest technologies, President
At Government meeting, President Tokayev said the country needs high-quality investments. The Government should create an integrated ecosystem to increase search, support and protection of investors at all levels, overseas, in regions. This policy concerns both foreign and domestic investors.
4. Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, WB agree on key principles of Kambarata HPP-1 project implementation
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, along with the World Bank, have agreed on the fundamental principles for the development of the Kambarata HPP-1 project. The main stages of the project were defined, and the project implementation structure was approved.
5. Kazakhstan should become international air hub - President Tokayev
The President said it is crucial to create an integrated ecosystem including freight and passenger terminals, logistics centers and modern services. It is also essential to ensure aviation fuel price affordability and ease customs clearance procedures that are of great significance for air conveyance cost reduction.
6. Kazakhstan to export Its IT products to Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Kuwait
At a Government meeting Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov stressed in the first half of the year the technology, Alaqan palm print recognition system, will be exported to six countries, including Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Kuwait and others. The technology has been already installed at 300 schools. Recently the system was introduced at the building of the Kazakh Government.
7. Legislating adoption of AI for security critical step to address current cyber threats - Diaz Rakhimzhanov
Fake links and fraudulent accounts were highlighted as the two most common types of cyber threats found in malicious email messages. In an exclusive interview with a Kazinform News Agency correspondent, Diaz Rakhimzhanov, Head of the Support Department at the Operational Security Center and Service Division of LLP “Middle Comm” shared his insights on this concerning issue.
8. Kazakhstani wrestler takes third place at the Emperor’s Cup in sumo in Tokyo
Kazakh wrestler took third place at the Emperor’s Cup in Tokyo. This result became the best achievement for a Kazakhstani sumo wrestler at elite makuuchi division championship.
9. What Films Will Kazakhstani Cinematography Present in 2025?
"Captain Baitasov" directed by Dauren Kamshibaev is described as “one of the most anticipated releases” of the year. Among other film premieres are the drama "Igromanka", the sports film "90+1", as well as the projects "Autumn Breeze", "Fake Arman", "Qaitadan", "Tezek", "Kara Kyz", "Altyn Adam", "Fragrant Heart" and "Avel".
10.Dimash Kudaibergen among jury members of Virtuosos Project 10th jubilee season
Kazakhstani singer Dimash Kudaibergen joins the jury of the Virtuosos Project’s 10th anniversary season. This exceptional competition for young talents, designed to introduce classical music to a wide television audience, promises viewers an unforgettable experience. The program features four talented musicians each from Hungary, Austria, Slovenia, Serbia, and Montenegro.
You can read the last week’s roundup of the top headlines here.