Kostanay Region is demonstrating positive dynamics in key areas of socio-economic development. The population is growing, industry and agriculture continue to develop, and small and medium-sized businesses have become more active. Investment in the region is increasing, and measures are being taken to improve conditions in education, healthcare, and the social sphere.

Industry

Kostanay Region is one of the main industrial regions of Kazakhstan. The basis of the regional economy is manufacturing, which accounts for more than 66% of all industrial output in the region. More than half of this share is in mechanical engineering (54%). At the same time, the food industry (22%) and metallurgy (18%) also play an important role.

The mining industry also has a significant impact on the regional economy, accounting for almost a third (29.2%) of all industrial activity. In the first quarter of 2025, the total volume of production reached 727.9 billion tenge. At the same time, production volume in the mining industry increased by 5.6% compared to the same period last year. Growth was particularly notable in the extraction and processing of mineral resources: gold ore extraction increased by 13.9%, iron ore concentrate production by 17.7%, pellets by 5.7%, copper concentrate by 25%, and asbestos by 23.3%.

Iron ore deposits are concentrated at the Sokolov, Sarbai, Kurzhunkul, and Kachar deposits. In addition, the Zhitikara chrysotile asbestos deposit, one of the largest in the world, is located in the region.

Agriculture

In the first quarter of 2025, gross agricultural output amounted to 34.6 billion tenge, which is 2.4% more than last year. During this time, 17.6 thousand tons of meat, 42.5 thousand tons of cow’s milk, and 86.8 million chicken eggs were produced.

In the current year, it is planned to sow 5.1 million hectares, including 4.2 million hectares of grain crops and 755 thousand hectares of oilseeds. One of the main tasks is to increase the use of mineral fertilizers. Last year, 259.1 thousand tons were applied to the soil, and for this year, 337.6 thousand tons of fertilizers are planned.

To finance spring fieldwork under concessional lending programs, 84.1 billion tenge was allocated through the Agrarian Credit Corporation ("Qen Dala", "Qen Dala 2"), and 7.3 billion tenge through the Food Corporation (forward procurement).

In addition, in the first quarter of 2025, food processing enterprises in the region produced products worth 104.9 billion tenge (an increase of 19.4% compared to the same period last year).

Small and Medium-Sized Business

The small and medium-sized business sector in Kostanay Region is demonstrating positive dynamics. As of April 1, 2025, 66.9 thousand business entities were registered in the region. It is important to note that under state programs in 2025, 8.6 billion tenge was allocated to support entrepreneurs. Of this amount, 4.3 billion tenge came from the republican budget, and 4.2 billion tenge from the regional budget.

Investment and Construction

The volume of investment in fixed capital in the region in the first quarter of 2025 amounted to 122 billion tenge, which is 13.2% more compared to the same period last year. The structure of investment is as follows:

• Industry — 51.1%

• Transport and storage — 15.7%

• Real estate — 14.4%

• Education — 7.5%

• Agriculture — 4.6%

Positive dynamics are observed in the construction sector. In the first quarter of 2025, the volume of construction work performed amounted to 46.3 billion tenge, which is 66.5% more compared to the same period of 2024. A total of 120.4 thousand m² of housing was commissioned, which is 2.3% more than in the same period of 2024.

In 2025, it is planned to continue implementing large-scale housing projects, which will have a positive impact on ensuring affordable housing for the population and creating new jobs.

Social Sphere

The social sphere remains a priority for Kostanay Region. In 2025, the construction of 7 schools for 4.4 thousand students is underway, including 2 schools for 1,200 places as part of the National Project "Comfortable School" (in Rudny for 900 places, in Kushmurun village of Auliekol District for 300 places).

Over the course of two years (2024–2025), under the national project "Comfortable School", 4 schools with a total capacity of 3,300 places have already been opened and are functioning with total funding of 18.7 billion tenge (in Kostanay, Bereke microdistrict — 1,200 places; Airport microdistrict — 900 places; Zarechnoe village of Kostanay District — 900 places; Arkalyk — 300 places).

An important task is the modernization of medical institutions and improving access to healthcare services for the population. In 2024, the construction of 21 facilities was completed (3 outpatient clinics, 1 medical post, and 17 feldsher-midwife stations). In 2025, 2.2 billion tenge has been allocated for major repairs of 7 facilities.

Housing and Utilities

Access to centralized water supply in cities is 99.0%, and in rural areas — 91.3%. As part of the 2023–2029 Housing and Utilities Development Concept, 22.1 billion tenge has been allocated in 2025 for the implementation of 66 projects on the construction and reconstruction of water supply and sanitation systems. The implementation of these projects is aimed at improving the quality of life of the population, ensuring access to public utilities, and modernizing infrastructure.

#Economy #Regions

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