News about Kazakhstan: events, facts and developments on tafs uz.
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Euronews reported on the wild forests of the Sievers apple tree in the Tien Shan — the ancestor of modern apples, the role of the Silk Road in its spread, the Almaty Aport variety, and apple-themed festivals in Kazakhstan.
Aziz KarimovPresident of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared 2027 the year of large-scale construction, announced the allocation of 6.5 trillion tenge from the National Fund by the end of 2029, and a minimum wage increase to 110,000 tenge from January 1, 2027.
Otabek YusupovIn an address to the nation, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that about 85% of cargo from China to Europe passes through the country and that the vulnerability of maritime routes raises the importance of overland corridors. He also named the timelines for building two nuclear power plants, proposed creating a strategic uranium reserve, and instructed that a new Civil Code be prepared by the end of 2027.
Otabek YusupovPresident of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in his address to the nation on October 28, instructed the government and parliament to study the introduction of a higher tax rate for holders of large fortunes, emphasizing that legally acquired assets will not be restricted.
Otabek YusupovPresident of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in his annual address to the nation, stated that the crisis of mutual trust between major powers is deepening, the role of international law is declining, and there are problems with the authority of the UN. He also noted the growth of uncontrolled migration flows and emphasized that the issues of protecting Kazakhstan's sovereignty have not yet been fully resolved.
Aziz KarimovThe Department of State Revenue for the Turkistan Region of Kazakhstan announced the introduction, from November 9, 2026, of a guarantee fee of 20 MRP (86,500 tenge) for international freight carriers booking an electronic queue at the Kazygurt, B. Konysbayev and Atameken checkpoints. If the carrier arrives on time, the fee is refunded in full; after two consecutive no-shows within 90 days, it goes to the budget.
Javlon TursunovFrom October 24, 2026, Kazakhstan operates an electronic travel authorization (ETA) system via the QazETA app. Until July 1, 2027, the authorization is optional, but checks are being introduced in stages from November 1. Obtaining it is currently free, and the visa-free regime remains in place.
Otabek YusupovEuronews has published a travel guide to Almaty, describing the city as a place where the mountains of the Trans-Ili Alatau are part of everyday life, and where the cultural and gastronomic scene makes it a convenient starting point for travels across Central Asia.
Otabek YusupovRapper Navai's performance in Moscow, originally scheduled for October 22, has been postponed to November 8 and will take place at the VK Stadium venue at 20:00. The postponement is linked to the artist's detention in Kazakhstan, where a court remanded him in custody for two months; however, on October 20 the case was dropped and the performer was deported from the country.
Aziz KarimovRussia sold about 62 tonnes of gold from its reserves in the first nine months of 2026, and Kazakhstan announced it would reduce the share of gold to 75% of its reserves. An expert from Mennica Skarbowa links the sell-offs to budget needs and profit-taking, and believes the impact on the global market will be minimal.
Otabek YusupovNvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang arrived in Astana on October 23, met with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and held an open conversation with Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiev at the international center alem.ai. Huang assessed Kazakhstan's energy resources and personnel as an advantage and stated that the country could «export intelligence» instead of only energy.
Aziz KarimovOn October 23, at a meeting with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, NVIDIA co-founder and president Jensen Huang proposed turning the country into a global hub for Physical AI — AI that interacts with the physical world. He noted Kazakhstan's potential in energy and specialist training, announced cooperation with Firebird AI KZ Ltd and Kazakhtelecom, and support for Higgsfield. Tokayev awarded Huang the Order of Dostyk, First Class.
Aziz KarimovThe Russian Foreign Ministry expects to receive clarifications from Kazakhstan on the QazETA electronic permit system, which also affects citizens of EAEU countries. Moscow emphasizes respect for Kazakhstan's sovereign right to regulate migration issues.
Sevara AzamovaThe rapper Navai's first performance after his release from pre-trial detention may be a concert in Chisinau, rescheduled to December. Ticket sales have resumed: with a full sell-out, organizers could earn about 9.5 million rubles, but so far half of the sections remain empty. All other 2026 concerts are suspended.
Javlon TursunovShowman Otar Kushanashvili, on the program “Kakovo?!” (How Is It?!), commented on the situation with rapper Navai, who was detained on October 14 at the Kazakhstan border, where drugs were found in his car. On October 20, the criminal case was dropped, and the artist was deported to Russia. Kushanashvili expressed sympathy for the rapper's mother but stated that he has no compassion for Navai himself.
Sevara AzamovaOfficial spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said Moscow expects additional clarifications from the Kazakh side on the procedure for applying the new decree on mandatory electronic entry permits to the country. According to her, the new rules affect citizens of EAEU member states.
Sevara AzamovaTaxi service inDrive signed a memorandum with Pony.ai and Nvidia to test robotaxis in Astana in the first half of 2027. Pony.ai will provide Gen-7 robotaxis, Nvidia — the Hyperion platform and the Halos safety system. Initially, the cars will have a safety operator on board; the goal is fully driverless rides.
Bekzod NazarovScientists from Moscow State University and Chinese specialists examined two chalk objects from the Tompakasar and Altyn-Asar burial grounds, belonging to the Jetyasar culture. Analysis showed that the base of the ancient product was natural chalk with plant additives, presumably cinnamon, wormwood and mint.
Javlon Tursunov
