AGP Executive Report

World Nomad Games: Kazakhstan finished top of the medal standings at the 6th World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, racking up 74 medals (32 gold, 20 silver, 22 bronze) and celebrating standout performances across togyzkumalak, mangala, kok-boru, tug-of-war and more. Sports Diplomacy: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Team Kazakhstan and praised the athletes and coaches for boosting the country’s international standing. Border Policy: Kazakhstan is tightening entry rules for Russian citizens with the paid electronic QazETA travel authorization and a digital biometric profile starting Nov. 30, 2026, with fees and limits spelled out for land arrivals. Energy Watch: OPEC+ kept October oil output quotas unchanged, including Kazakhstan’s, citing uncertainty tied to the Iran war and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Health Tech (Almaty): Almaty’s oncology center rolled out a robotic pharmacy system to automate medication handling and improve dosing safety.

Nomad Games Spotlight: Kyrgyzstan crushed Kazakhstan 12:0 to win the kok-boru title at the VI World Nomad Games in Cholpon-Ata, after leading 4:0 at halftime and extending to 8:0 in the second half; tickets for the final were sold out, but organizers let extra fans in around the field, with live fan zones across Kyrgyzstan. Sports & Health: A mobile clinic at the Games treated 150+ people by Sept. 5, including a Kazakh athlete with an ear injury and an American who broke three ribs after a horse fall—then returned to compete the next day. Banking Watch: S&P upgraded Kazakhstan’s banking industry risk assessment, citing stronger oversight, tighter controls on retail lending risk, more transparent reporting, and stress testing—aimed at better resilience amid geopolitical uncertainty. Agri Tech from Almaty: Kazakh scientists developed BioDrop drone tech to spread beneficial insects; field trials showed higher effectiveness than manual release (81–83% vs 70–73%). Immigration Update: Kazakhstan says the electronic QazETA permit for foreigners is not yet mandatory and currently has no fee, with details on mandatory rollout and costs to be clarified later.

Kazakhstan–China Trade: Kazakhstan and China have launched a joint digital platform for online grain and agri deals, letting firms trade directly via auctions, bidding, negotiations and fixed-price sales, with guarantees, online payments and dispute handling; 35 Kazakh companies are already registered. Vice Presidency Update: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree defining the Vice President’s powers, including developing domestic and foreign policy initiatives, representing the President in key bodies and heading the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Ports & Logistics: Kazakhstan plans to lift maritime port cargo capacity from 21.8 million to 30 million tons by 2030, expanding Aktau and Kuryk and adding vessels and terminals to boost the Middle Corridor’s annual capacity. Food Prices: FAO reports rising global wheat and sugar prices, citing Black Sea export disruptions, European weather and demand pressures—an issue for Central Asia’s import-dependent economies. World Nomad Games (Kyrgyzstan): Fan zones across Kyrgyzstan will broadcast the kok-boru and kokpar finals on Sept 6, with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan facing off in both.

Aviation Security: Kazakhstan will host its first-ever ICAO Aviation Security Week in Astana on Oct. 20–22, aiming to strengthen “Safe Skies in a Complex World” cooperation as the country reports 95.7% compliance with ICAO security standards. Crypto & Payments: Kazakhstan’s National Bank, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, and AIFC signed MoUs with Binance to build a crypto-fiat gateway, explore a stablecoin, and modernize payment infrastructure across Central Asia. Justice Cooperation: India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant used the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum to push for stronger bilateral judicial ties, plus a shared arbitration and mediation platform for commercial disputes, including meetings with Kazakhstan’s judicial leaders. Sports—Tennis: Elena Rybakina advanced at the US Open, while Carlos Alcaraz swept into the Round of 16, setting up a fourth-round clash with Tommy Paul. Sports—Hockey: Pakistan crushed Kazakhstan 15-0 in the Men’s Junior Asia Cup, with hat-tricks from Rana Abdul Sami and Rana Waleed. Local Weather/Fire Risk: Kazakhstan faces rain, dust, fog, and extreme fire danger in multiple regions including Almaty and Zhetysu.

US Open Focus: Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina cruised into the third round at the U.S. Open, beating Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-2, 6-4, with no sign of the heel injury that had worried fans. Diplomacy: Kazakhstan’s new PM Olzhas Bektenov received congratulations from his counterpart, while Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan’s foreign ministers held a phone call on expanding strategic ties. Digital Finance: Kazakhstan’s National Bank signed an MoU with Binance to pursue a payments license aimed at linking crypto and fiat services across Central Asia, with talks also touching on a possible local stablecoin. Energy & Trade: Kazakhstan said oil output has stabilized after CPC pipeline disruptions, while Kazakhstan and IMO officials discussed safe navigation for tankers and the Trans-Caspian route. Government Update: Tokayev completed a new cabinet lineup, naming Mukhtar Tleuberdi as foreign minister and Murat Mukhanov as emergencies minister. Sports & Culture: Kazakhstan also featured in BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum talks in Delhi, and in World Nomad Games coverage, including tenge ilu and falconry gold.

US Open Focus: Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina reached the third round with a straight-sets 6-2, 6-4 win over Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, shaking off fitness worries from a recent left-heel issue and now aiming to climb toward the world No. 1 spot. Capital Markets: Kazakhstan is considering faster IPO and bond issuance timelines, but analysts warn the real bottleneck is still investor demand and liquidity, not just paperwork speed. Economy Watch: A Kazakhstan services PMI update shows growth cooling in August—still expanding, but with weaker new orders and continued staffing cuts. Energy & Gas: Qazaqgaz says natural gas could become as strategic as oil, pushing for major gas discoveries and expanding its role in transmission and marketing. Weather & Safety: Forecasts call for rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds in parts of Kazakhstan, alongside heightened fire risk in several regions. Culture & Tech: An AI project is building a Kazakh-language evaluation benchmark and tools to digitize Kazakh historical archives, aiming to preserve cultural heritage.

Kazakhstan–Foreign Policy: President Tokayev tasked the new Foreign Ministry leadership with protecting Kazakh citizens abroad and pushing a balanced foreign policy, as Mukhtar Tileuberdi was appointed FM. Nuclear & Energy: Kazakhstan moved ahead on its first nuclear power plant with Rosatom, signing an EPC contract for the Balkhash NPP and a broader nuclear deal tied to restoring Central Asia’s nuclear capacity. Trade & Transport: Kazakhstan launched its first oil transit deliveries to Kyrgyzstan, sending 35,000 tons in August via KazTransOil’s Shagyr loading facility and rail tankers. Security & Aviation: ICAO warned civilian aircraft face growing risks from long-range weapons, drones and navigation interference, urging stronger airspace risk checks and coordination. Diplomacy Watch: Switzerland appointed Christine Honegger as Ambassador to Kazakhstan, while OSCE PA said it will keep supporting TURKPA’s activities. Sports (Regional): Kazakhstan’s athletes won 18 medals at the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, including six golds. Business & Finance: Kazakhstan was listed among central banks that bought gold in July, adding about 1 tonne.

Government Shake-Up: Kazakhstan reappointed and named a new wave of senior officials, including Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov, Defense Minister Dauren Kossanov, First Deputy PM Nurlуbek Nalibayev, and Deputy PM/Presidential Office head Galymzhan Koishybayev, alongside new appointments for justice, transport, and national economy roles. Nuclear Energy Push: Kazakhstan moved ahead with construction of its first nuclear power plant, with an intergovernmental agreement paving the way for practical implementation and long-term energy security. Rare Earths Deal: Lindian Resources signed a binding partnership with French separation specialist Carester to develop an 8,000-tonne-per-year rare earth oxide separation facility in Stepnogorsk, supported by a long-term offtake for heavy rare earth products. Regional Water Talks: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan discussed transboundary water management, including a roadmap for protecting shared aquifers through 2030. Energy Markets Watch: LME zinc squeeze signals tightening supply risks for Western buyers as prices surge amid low inventories. Culture & Sport: Kazakhstan led at the Nomad Games equestrian marathon and celebrated more medals, while “Nomads Art” in Cholpon-Ata brought traditional music performers together.

Kazakhstan–Korea Talks: Kazakhstan and South Korea met in Astana to expand practical cooperation in AI, industry, infrastructure, and education, with both sides agreeing to keep close coordination on major bilateral and multilateral events. Energy & Industry: KMG and China’s CNOOC reviewed cooperation on the Zhylyoi geological exploration project in the northeastern Caspian, including reprocessing 2D seismic data and preparing 3D surveys, plus expanded oilfield services collaboration. Oil Market Watch: OPEC+ is expected to keep its October output policy unchanged, with seven core members including Kazakhstan joining an online meeting as Iran-war disruptions continue to affect Gulf supply flows. Nomad Games Spotlight: Kazakhstan’s athletes added medals at the World Nomad Games—including audaryspak gold for Tulebekov in zhamby atu and further team success in audaryspak events. Border & Travel Rules: Kazakhstan is moving ahead with electronic entry permits for foreigners, including updates affecting Kyrgyz citizens. Culture Abroad: Kazakhstan’s Cultural Center in Beijing marked its first anniversary, highlighting language, arts, and community events that drew tens of thousands of visitors. Sports (US Open): Elena Rybakina advanced at the US Open with a straight-sets win over Thea Frodin, easing concerns after a recent injury scare.

US Open Focus: Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina eased into the US Open second round with a 6-3, 6-2 win over 17-year-old Thea Frodin, managing a recent left-heel injury and keeping her sights on the world No. 1 ranking. Border & Travel Rules: Kazakhstan has started testing QazETA paid electronic entry permits for foreign citizens and stateless people, with phased mandatory rollout by transport type and border category; applications must be filed up to 72 hours ahead. Regional Sports: At the World Nomad Games in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s kokpar team opened with a dominant 12-1 win over Mongolia, while Kazakhstan is set to compete in group play. Economy Watch: Kazakhstan’s manufacturing downturn deepened in August, with a Freedom Holding Kazakhstan PMI slipping to 46.0 as new orders and output fell. Aviation Security: Kazakhstan will host ICAO Security Week 2026 in Astana, highlighting aviation cybersecurity and drone-related risks. Politics: Kazakhstan reinstated the vice presidency after 30 years, appointing Erlan Karin. SCO Diplomacy: Leaders adopted the Bishkek Declaration at the SCO summit, pledging deeper cooperation on security, trade and technology.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Kazakhstan’s leaders joined a major Shanghai Cooperation Organisation push on security, trade and technology, with heads of state adopting the Bishkek Declaration and signing a package of cooperation documents. Terror and “double standards”: India’s PM Modi used the platform to call for dismantling the “terror ecosystem” and rejecting selective approaches. Water diplomacy: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif told the summit that water is the region’s “lifeblood” and must never be weaponised, tying the message to the Indus Waters Treaty dispute. Kazakhstan policy at home: Kazakhstan is opening 57 new schools for the 2026-2027 year to ease overcrowding and improve safety. Travel rules: Kazakhstan is rolling out paid QazETA electronic entry permits for foreigners (pilot until Nov 1), including for Russian citizens. Local safety: A deadly crash on the Saryozek–Koktal highway killed six people. Community alert: Two Kazakh sisters were found dead in a Sharjah apartment; police are investigating.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev joins leaders including Putin, Xi and Modi as the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit opens, with talks focused on regional security, connectivity and people-to-people ties. Counter-Terror Push: Modi used the SCO roundtable to demand dismantling the full terrorism ecosystem and warned against “double standards.” Kazakhstan Education Safety: Nearly 4 million pupils start the new academic year as schools expand safety measures, including 283,000 surveillance cameras and police-linked monitoring. Visa/Entry Rules: Kazakhstan plans paid electronic entry permits (QazETA) for visa-free foreign arrivals, with phased rollout from late August into December. Digital Payments Tax: Kazakhstan is considering abolishing VAT on QR payment services and other cashless transfers. Sports & Culture: Kazakhstan’s athletes win multiple medals at regional events, while the World Nomad Games open in Bishkek with Kazakhstan among participating teams. Media Update: The Kazakh outlet Orda.kz has ceased operations, citing lack of funding.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev arrived for the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit as leaders from China, Russia and India push deeper ties and a multipolar agenda. Kazakhstan Appointments: Erlan Karin was appointed Kazakhstan’s vice president after parliament approved the nomination, as the country’s new constitutional setup takes shape. World Nomad Games: Tokayev attended the opening of the 6th World Nomad Games in Bishkek, with Kazakhstan fielding more than 150 athletes across 43 disciplines. Kazakhstan–Saudi Arabia: Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia signed an air services agreement and discussed expanding transport and logistics cooperation, aiming to boost passenger and cargo flows. Digital Economy: The SCO-linked “Tree of SCO” training initiative is expanding digital skills across member states, while Kazakhstan is also set to join the Digital Cooperation Organization as it adds new members. Media Watch: Orda.kz announced it will shut down from September 1, citing financial strain. Regional Security/Trade: Kazakhstan’s role in SCO connectivity and regional projects remains a key theme as leaders meet amid Middle East and Ukraine tensions.

SCO Summit Diplomacy: Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has appointed longtime adviser Erlan Karin as vice president under the new constitution, as the country prepares for the wider regional spotlight around the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek. SCO 25th Anniversary: Xi Jinping arrived in Kyrgyzstan for the SCO summit and state visit, with leaders including Putin and Modi converging for talks that are expected to cover regional security and West Asia tensions. Modi-Iran Meeting: Reports say PM Narendra Modi will meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the SCO sidelines, their first in-person contact since the West Asia conflict escalated. Investor Protection & Cooperation: Kazakhstan and Hong Kong are strengthening cooperation on investor rights, including practical legal mechanisms and dispute resolution. Children’s Safety in Schools: Kazakhstan is equipping schools with over 283,000 surveillance cameras and expanding road safety checks around education facilities. Investment Push: Kazakhstan is launching a new investment cycle focused on manufacturing, deep processing, and high-tech, backed by fast-track approvals and a digital investment platform. Rare Earths Deal: Lindian Resources secured exclusive access to a heavy rare earth stockpile in Kazakhstan, potentially feeding its SARECO processing facility. Disaster Update (Regional): Nepal-Tibet flash floods have left thousands missing, including hundreds of foreigners, keeping regional humanitarian and information-sharing concerns in focus.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: India’s PM Narendra Modi arrived in Kyrgyzstan for the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, with meetings expected alongside leaders including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping, as the bloc marks 25 years. Kazakhstan in the spotlight: Kazakhstan is listed among SCO members as regional leaders push security and connectivity themes tied to Central Asia’s wider cooperation agenda. Sports—US Open update: Kazakh tennis player Elena Rybakina says her heel injury is “all good” after retiring from Cincinnati, aiming to stay healthy at the US Open. Deaf judo in Lausanne: Kazakhstan topped the medal table at the Ecole Mont-Olivet Deaf Judo Masters Top 18, winning seven golds. Kok-boru officiating: A kok-boru judges seminar began in Bishkek for referees from Kazakhstan and other countries ahead of the VI World Nomad Games. Regional safety concern: Kazakhstan is among the nationalities with citizens listed as unaccounted for after a mudslide on the China-Nepal border, with 261 foreign nationals missing reported.

Disaster Response in the Region: China’s Xizang authorities say 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries are still unaccounted for after the Aug 26 mudslide at Gyirong Port on the China–Nepal border, with 546 missing and 16 dead reported earlier; the latest breakdown includes 104 Nepalis, 49 Indians, and one Kazakh national among the missing, and officials say embassies have been notified and no foreign tourists are currently stranded in Gyirong County. Climate Risk Link: Chinese officials attribute the disaster to glacier instability tied to long-term warming, after a glacier fractured in Nepal’s Langtang Lirung area and triggered an ice-rock avalanche and debris flow. Kazakhstan in Focus: Separate reports say Kazakhstan is expected to receive Russian Su-57 fifth-generation jets within two years, a major air-force modernization step. Local Incident: An 11-year-old FlyArystan Airbus A320 caught fire at Almaty Airport during scheduled maintenance; the blaze was contained and an employee was injured but later discharged. Culture & Sports: Kazakhstan’s film push includes “Jamilya in Paris” shooting in France, while Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina says she’s on track for the US Open after injury recovery.