22 October 2026, 11:30
Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov took part in the 9th Kazakhstan Global Investment Roundtable (KGIR). This year, the event is taking place in the city of Shymkent, demonstrating the dynamic development of the metropolis located at the intersection of Eurasia's key trade flows and the Western Europe – Western China international transport corridor.
Prior to the plenary session, Olzhas Bektenov reviewed a number of projects being implemented jointly with foreign partners in the manufacturing industry, agro-industrial complex, energy, and other sectors. Among them: the construction of the Masdar wind power plant in the Zhambyl region, China Energy renewable energy facilities in the Karaganda and Turkestan regions, the Carlsberg Group soft drinks plant in the Almaty region, and Alatau City projects. Special attention was paid to the projects located in Shymkent for the construction of the Alsera greenhouse complex and the QazAlPack plant.
The KGIR-2026 venue brought together over 500 investors and business representatives from more than 40 countries, aimed at building a constructive dialogue.
Opening the plenary session on the topic "From Stability to Growth: Kazakhstan's New Investment Cycle," the Prime Minister informed the business community about the broad investment opportunities created and actively developing on the instructions of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
“We pay special attention to establishing a direct dialogue with the international business community. Last year, the country's GDP exceeded $300 billion with a growth of 6.5%. Over the years of independence, Kazakhstan has attracted nearly half a trillion dollars in foreign direct investment. Over the past 5 years alone, more than $100 billion has been attracted. I am convinced that Kazakhstan has every reason for confident progress forward. Of fundamental importance for us is the high-quality renewal of the economy through the introduction of advanced technologies, the creation of new production facilities, and the deep processing of raw materials. These strategic priorities are embedded in the updated Concept of Investment Policy until 2030. Kazakhstan remains an open and predictable country for long-term investments,” Olzhas Bektenov emphasized, and invited investors to take an active part in the implementation of such ambitious projects as the Data Center Valley in Ekibastuz and the construction of the high-tech city Alatau City, as well as other initiatives opening new horizons for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Among the priority areas for the implementation of investment projects are manufacturing and chemical industries, food production and transport engineering, agro-industrial complex and agro-processing, digitalization and development of IT infrastructure, and the construction of high-tech cities.
In Kazakhstan, the most favorable conditions have been created for investors: more than 100 types of export and industrial support are provided in a single center, Kazakhstan Investment House; a special Altyn visa regime is being introduced; there is an opportunity to apply English law on the basis of the Astana International Financial Centre; mechanisms for protecting investors' rights work at the level of the Prosecutor General's Office; and investment project support is provided by the Council under the Government. Investment attractiveness is also confirmed by international ratings. Leading agencies maintain the country's investment grade rating. S&P raised Kazakhstan's sovereign rating to "BBB" with a stable outlook for the first time in a decade. In the Global Investment Risk and Resilience Index, the country climbed 17 positions to rank 53rd.
The head of the Government emphasized that leading foreign companies continue to choose Kazakhstan for their new projects. This is evidenced by successfully implemented initiatives. For example, Stadler Rail has established the production of a new generation of passenger cars in Astana, Carlsberg Group has already opened a modern beverage production facility, PepsiCo is preparing to launch a snack plant, Mars is creating a pet food production facility, and Air Liquide is developing the hydrogen industry.
During the plenary session, speeches were also delivered by Akim of Shymkent Gabit Syzdykbekov, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Boeing Company Kelly Ortberg, President of the Islamic Development Bank and Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Group Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, President of Sarens Kazakhstan Ludo Anton Sarens, and Chief Executive Officer of Lasselsberger Group Josef Lasselsberger.
On the sidelines of KGIR-2026 in Shymkent, 22 documents worth $4.8 billion were signed.
Among them are Investment Agreements:
Memorandums:
A framework agreement on the construction of a plant for PET preforms production and plastic recycling for $74.3 million was also signed (between the Akimat of Shymkent and KOKSAN LLP).
For their contribution to the implementation of socio-economic and industrial projects, awards were presented to General Directors of Coca-Cola Almaty Bottlers JV LLP Veli Dincel, Aksa Energy – Naci Agbal, Kazakhstan Hydrogen Peroxide LLP – Sun Pengcheng, KamLitKZ LLP – Alexey Kotov, Saran Machinery LLP – Stanislav Lee; Chairman of the Board of Fabe Agro LLP – Ahmed Budan, Emirates Kazakhstan Education Investment Group – Ruslan Zhumagulov; President of Carlsberg Central Asia and Head of Central Asia Region – Vyacheslav Maltsev; Regional Director of SABIS – Rami Malak; Head of International Educational Institution Ardingly Astana – Darren Jones; Chairman of the Board of Directors of TEXOL Group of Companies – Shota Abkhazava; Founder and CEO of Network School – Balaji Srinivasan.
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