At the Government session chaired by Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, the work being carried out and the prospects for the development of the domestic automotive industry were discussed.

Reports were delivered by Minister of Industry and Construction Yersaiyn Nagaspayev and Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek. The heads of the Astana Motors and Allur groups of companies, the enterprises KIA Qazaqstan and QazTehna, as well as the Kazakhstan Automobile Union informed about business proposals and current projects.

Olzhas Bektenov noted the importance of the automotive industry for the diversification of the economy and the technological development of the country. The Head of State has set the Government the task of further ensuring the sustainable development of the country and strengthening the structure of the national economy.

“In June of this year, legislative amendments on issues of mechanical engineering and transport were introduced, which are aimed at increasing the competitiveness of domestic producers and improving the technological production process. The mechanical engineering industry is one of the most important growth points and a locomotive for the accelerated diversification of the country’s economy. The Head of State sets the task of transforming the domestic automotive industry into a full-fledged high-tech sector. The implementation of a number of large projects, such as KIA Qazaqstan, Astana Motors and others, has given a significant impetus to the technological modernization of the entire industry of the country,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Construction, over the past five years, investments in the automotive industry have reached 457 billion tenge, and employment has exceeded 10 thousand people. In 2025, 171 thousand vehicles were produced in Kazakhstan. In 2026, production is planned to be increased to 190 thousand units, including 177 thousand passenger cars, 10 thousand units of trucks and special equipment, and 3 thousand buses.

Currently, there are 11 manufacturers of motor vehicles operating in the country. In 2025, the Astana Motors Manufacturing Kazakhstan plant with a capacity of 120 thousand cars per year and the KIA Qazaqstan plant with a capacity of 70 thousand cars were launched. The total investment in the two enterprises amounted to about 347 billion tenge, and over 5 thousand jobs were created. In the fourth quarter of 2026, it is planned to begin production of Volvo and XCMG semi-trailer tractors with a total capacity of 1 thousand units per year.

Following the results of the meeting, Olzhas Bektenov gave a number of instructions.

First. The Ministry of Industry, together with industry enterprises, was instructed to develop a plan for the creation of new automotive component production facilities within one month.

The need to expand the range of domestic materials used in the automotive industry was emphasized. The Qarmet enterprise is already producing special grades of steel for buses and trucks. The next stage should be the development of steel production for passenger vehicles.

The potential for deep processing of copper, aluminum, and chromium, as well as the production of rubber, plastic, cable, and other components, was also noted. The implementation of the projects should contribute to increasing localization, forming production clusters, and increasing the share of Kazakhstani content.

Second. Currently, about 70 electric charging stations are operating along the country’s key highways. In addition, an investment agreement has been concluded with Car Park Transformer for the construction of 250 roadside service facilities by 2030.

The Ministries of Transport and Industry were instructed to strengthen the attraction of large international companies to the development of electric charging station networks and the creation of conditions for new investors.

Third. As part of the implementation of measures to integrate Kazakhstan into the global battery production chain for electric transport, the Ministry of Industry, together with interested government agencies, was instructed to ensure the timely commissioning of the Sarytogan Graphite project for the production of spherical graphite, which is a critically important component of batteries.

The implementation of the high-tech project of the company CATL should be under special control. During the recent visit of the Head of State to China, the management of one of the world’s largest battery manufacturers confirmed their interest in creating production on the territory of Kazakhstan.

Fourth. Training of personnel for the automotive industry is currently carried out in 19 higher educational institutions under 34 educational programs. Dual education is implemented by 16 universities jointly with 48 enterprises.

The Ministry of Industry and Construction, together with industry enterprises, was instructed to update professional standards in mechanical engineering within one month, taking into account digitalization, transport electrification, and the introduction of advanced production technologies.

The Ministries of Science and Higher Education and Industry and Construction, together with automakers and universities, must submit specific proposals within one month for the creation of research laboratories based on automotive clusters.

Fifth. The Ministries of Finance and Industry were instructed to develop a set of measures within ten days to prevent the illegal import of vehicles into Kazakhstan.

It was noted that vehicles imported under “gray” schemes often do not meet the established technical and environmental requirements. The relevant approaches in customs administration and technical regulation should come into force from September 1, 2026.

Government agencies were instructed to ensure uniform application of the current legislative norms and to conduct broad explanatory work among the population.

Overall control and coordination of the implementation of the instructions has been assigned to First Deputy Prime Minister Nurlybek Nalibayev.

#The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan #Government session #Industry #Ministry of Industry and Construction

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