In his address, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan remains committed to sustainable development goals. As he clearly stated, paramount task is to adapt to current global situation both economically and politically.

“Despite external headwinds, Kazakhstan’s GDP grew by 6.5 percent last year. Our Gross Domestic Product has now exceeded the 300-billion-dollar milestone. Kazakhstan wants to keep it leading role in Central Asia in attracting foreign direct investment. We have accumulated over 150 billion dollars in net FDI. This represents a commanding almost 70 percent of all investments in the region. This economic strength is deeply anchored in our political stability. Through a historic nationwide referendum, we passed our new Constitution which has already be named people`s Constitution. It is very symbolic that we meet today when our major Law lively just entered into force. It happened yesterday. New provisions provide the highest level of protection for investor rights,” the Head of State said

The President emphasized that Kazakhstan established a highly attractive institutional framework for global business. He announced the launch of the National Digital Investment Platform designed to operate on a seamless, one-stop-shop principle.

“Our Investment Board ensures swift decision-making and comprehensive state support. Beyond institutional security, we offer practical, long-term incentives. International entrepreneurs can now fully leverage our unique Altyn Visa program. This initiative delivers enhanced tax advantages and streamlined migration procedures. However, we are not complacent and we cannot rest on our laurels. Huge bulk of work is ahead of us,” Kassym -Jomart Tokayev stated.

The Head of state noted that the world has entered a new era of technological transformation. Artificial intelligence is gaining upper hand and has become one of the primary engines of global progress.

"Integrating AI into our investment promotion strategy serves as a critical priority. It eliminates routine operations and establishes a «smart filter». As a result, investors receive faster, will be receiving more targeted, and more efficient services. According to UNCTAD, AI is projected to reach almost 5 trillion dollars by 2033. That represents a 25-times increase in just 10 years, highlighting the technology’s growing role in the global economy. Kazakhstan intends to move fast in this direction. In my address last year, I set a clear goal to transform Kazakhstan into a fully digital state. To systematically drive this work, we declared 2026 the Year of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development. As we shape the contours of the future, we prioritize citizens’ digital safety. Kazakhstan’s new Constitution firmly guarantees the right to personal data protection. To reinforce our institutional foundations, we have established the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development. The AI Development Council has also been launched,” the President remarked.

Kassym- Jomart Tokayev informed Council members about the measures is underway to accelerate infrastructure development. Specifically, Kazakhstan succeeded to launch two supercomputers powered by cutting-edge technologies.

"These investments are complemented by a modern regulatory framework for the digital age. The recently adopted by the Parliament the Digital Code, the Law on Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Qazaqstan strategy provide a clear roadmap for technological development. These also foster an environment that supports innovation, attracts investment and strengthens international cooperation. Furthermore, we are planning to build Data Center Valley as a cornerstone of our digital economy. This flagship project already serves as a powerful magnet for global capital and tech giants. Industry leaders such as Amazon, G42 and many others have started securing their placement within this ecosystem, " the Head of State declared.

The President underlined that Kazakhstan is consistently investing in human capital. For example, two next-generation schools – Tumo and the Tomorrow School have been opened through the Alem.ai International Center.

"We have also launched advanced laboratories with global partners like Telegram and Presight. Artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of Kazakhstan’s education system. Recently, I signed a Decree placing AI at the heart of the modernization of secondary education, positioning it as a tool that empowers teachers rather than replaces them. The Decree promotes personalized learning, strengthens digital infrastructure, advances the regulatory framework, and modernizes educational standards. We are also launching a pilot project that will be scaled nationwide to help bridge the quality gap between urban and rural schools and ensure every child has access to high-quality education in the age of AI. Artificial intelligence is becoming a decisive factor in the effectiveness of public administration. Kazakhstan acts proactively and builds the necessary institutional capacity to lead this transformation. Internationally renowned AI expert, a member of the Council for the Development of Artificial Intelligence Dr. Lee Kai-Fu recently conducted a training seminar on artificial intelligence for the senior leadership of government agencies at the alem.ai International Artificial Intelligence Center in Astana. This seminar focused on the strategic application of AI in public administration, including AI-native operating models, AI agents, and the development of Kazakhstan’s national AI stack. Regular executive training programmes for civil servants will support the accelerated adoption of AI technologies and enhance the efficiency of public administration. Moreover, Kazakhstan is establishing first in our region specialized AI university. This landmark institution will become a center of excellence for advanced research, innovation, and the development of highly skilled professionals. By investing in education, talent, and technology, we are laying the foundation for a strong national AI ecosystem," Kassym- Jomart Tokayev noted.

The Head of State also mentioned Smart Cargo that has been introduced in the logistics sector. The platform, which acts as a seamlessly integrated system, enables the digitalization of key transport corridors.

"Significant progress is also underway in the digital transformation of Kazakhstan’s oil and gas industry. We are placing particular emphasis on the development of digital twins for upstream and processing facilities. At the same time, an end-to-end traceability system for oil and petroleum products is being implemented, covering the entire value chain from the wellhead to the point of final sale. AI-powered solutions are being used to predict equipment anomalies, improve operational reliability and optimize production processes across our industrial facilities. At the same time, the Astana International Financial Centre serves as a secure proving ground for innovative artificial intelligence solutions. Through the FinTech Lab regulatory sandbox, the AIFC leverages the solid infrastructure of English law and world-class data protection frameworks. Ultimately, the AIFC ensures clear, transparent rules, complete legal security and the highest standards of data protection, " the President said.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev then highlighted several particularly promising areas for investment cooperation: He identified the development of a transparent, technology-driven ecosystem for critical raw materials as one of the priorities put into agenda.

"Critical raw materials are fast emerging as the ultimate strategic resource of the new industrial era. In response to this global paradigm shift, Kazakhstan is systematically redefining its regulatory and operational frameworks to welcome world-class partnership. We have launched the Unified Subsoil Use Platform, automating 22 state services to streamline licensing and compliance monitoring. Over 4.7 million legacy geological paper and magnetic records have been successfully digitized into a unified national repository. Furthermore, we are now using AI to accelerate the conversion of historical geological data into modern, machine-readable formats. Through the initiative to establish the Regional Research Center for Rare Earth Metals in Astana, we are creating a centralized nexus to provide global investors with precision geodata," the Head of State emphasized.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev believes that another important pillar of the long-term development strategy od our country is transport.

"Our ambition is to become a leading regional logistics hub connecting Europe and Asia. Thirteen major international transit corridors cross Kazakhstan, positioning our country as a vital link in transcontinental supply chains. Around 85 percent of all China - Europe rail freight passes through Kazakhstan, underscoring our pivotal role in global trade and connectivity. To strengthen this position, we are investing heavily in transport infrastructure, including the construction of thousands of kilometers of new railways and the further development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, widely known as the Middle Corridor. Over the past fifteen years, Kazakhstan has invested more than 35 billion US dollars in transport and logistics infrastructure. At the same time, we recognize that world-class logistics require not only modern infrastructure, but also cutting-edge digital solutions. That is why we take measures to digitalize the entire ecosystem," the President stressed.

The Head of State said that the unified digital platform Smart Cargo has been rolling out since the end the last year serves as a single window for customs, logistics and commercial services.

"The platform integrates all key procedures into a seamless digital environment, significantly reducing administrative burdens and transit times. The first stage of implementation has already digitized transit operations along the China-Uzbekistan route, while border-crossing procedures have been fully converted into electronic format, making cross-border freight movement faster, more transparent and more predictable. As a result, transit through Kazakhstan has become more efficient, cost-effective and reliable for international businesses operating across Eurasia," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

The President identified sustainable agricultural growth as the next core priority. According to him, artificial intelligence and advanced automation serve as the cornerstones of the new agricultural revolution.

"They actively drive progress by boosting crop yields, conserving critical water resources, and drastically reducing ecological footprints. Kazakhstan understands this reality. Driven by our digital capabilities in precision planning and predictive forecasting, Kazakhstan has secured historic grain harvests of 27 million tons for two consecutive years. To secure this success, we are fully digitizing national agricultural lands while accelerating use of drones, satellite navigation and automated weather stations. All state support and financial subsidies for farmers will be managed online to streamline administrative workflows. In livestock management, integrated digital platforms have been deployed to eliminate paper bureaucracy and ensure data integrity. Today, more than 200 agricultural enterprises operate as smart farms, utilizing advanced digital solutions and data-driven management. Furthermore, a data-driven traceability system is being implemented to ensure complete transparency from production to consumer," the Head of State noted.

Kassym- Jomart Tokayev believes that Kazakhstan's should set long-term long-term ambition to become a regional hub for high-value agri-food processing.

"Rather than exporting raw commodities alone, we aim to create greater value domestically by developing modern food manufacturing industries, integrating advanced technologies and resilient supply chains. Significant investment opportunities exist across the entire processing ecosystem. We are actively promoting the adoption of AI, robotics and Industry 4.0 solutions throughout food processing facilities. AI-powered quality control, predictive maintenance, automated production lines and intelligent supply chain management will enable manufacturers to improve efficiency, enhance quality and meet the highest international safety standards. At the same time, investments in smart logistics, automated warehouses, cold-chain infrastructure, packaging technologies are supposed to create fully integrated, data-driven agri-food value chains. We invite global investors, food manufacturers, technology companies and AI solution providers to join us in this transformation," the President stated.

The Head of State dwelt separately on the future of Alatau city.

Today, Alatau stands as a high-velocity development zone backed by a unique, world-class legal status. Our advanced legal framework is designed to attract global investments and turn Alatau into a premier business hub.The City is engineered to become our first fully digital center. Here, critical infrastructure, public services and the urban economy are successfully integrated through big data, emerging technologies and smart management models. Driven by the core principle of «Digital by default», every single governance process is designed in a digital-native format from day one. Through the centralized Alatau City Authority digital platform, residents will have access essential public services, streamlined permitting processes and the benefits of our special legal regime. This infrastructure will be entirely integrated with national state systems. Furthermore, the City introduces a pioneering regulatory framework for digital assets, including cryptocurrency exchanges and asset tokenization. We invite capital leaders to leverage our unique jurisdiction as your secure, high-yield launching pad," Kassym -Jomart Tokayev said.

In conclusion, the President emphasized that the development of artificial intelligence and the strengthening of digital sovereignty is pivotal to our long-term economic and national resilience.

"I would like to emphasize the importance of sustained dialogue between the Council and government bodies, bringing together diverse expertise, knowledge and insights to drive effective reforms. We believe that long-term mutually beneficial cooperation between the public and private sector will become instrumental in unlocking the full potential of our digital economy and building a prosperous future for all," the Head of State concluded.

Other speakers at the plenary session included the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Odile Renaud-Basso, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev, KFICA Board Chairman Erlan Dosymbekov, Vice-President for Sectors and Themes of the Asian Development Bank Fatima Yasmin, Chief Client Officer of Citi David Livingston, Vice President of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) Sun Dayun, and Air Liquide CEO for Africa, Middle-East & Central Asia Nicolas Poirot .

https://www.akorda.kz/en/the-president-held-the-38th-plenary-session-of-the-foreign-investors-council-265646

Credit: Akorda.kz