Ammon News - By Abdulhamid Hamid Al-Kba - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev convened the 38th plenary session of the Foreign Investors Council on July 2, 2026, in Astana — a significant moment that reflects Kazakhstan’s growing confidence as the leading investment destination in Central Asia.

The meeting was held shortly after Kazakhstan’s new constitutional reforms entered into force in early July, following the constitutional referendum held on March 15, 2026. These reforms represent a qualitative step in modernizing state institutions and strengthening the legal and regulatory environment for investment.

This was not merely a routine gathering. It served as a distinguished platform to showcase tangible achievements and present an ambitious vision focused on artificial intelligence, digitalization, and economic diversification.

In his speech, President Tokayev highlighted the resilience of Kazakhstan’s economy despite an unfavorable external environment. The economy grew by 6.5% last year, pushing GDP above $300 billion. Accumulated net foreign direct investment (FDI) exceeded $150 billion, accounting for approximately 70% of total investments in Central Asia.

Having followed Kazakhstan’s economic reforms for years, I believe the country’s greatest advantage today is not only its natural resources, but its ability to align institutional reforms with long-term investment priorities. This institutional continuity, combined with political stability and Kazakhstan’s strategic position along the Middle Corridor, has significantly strengthened investor confidence and reinforced the country’s regional leadership.

Tokayev emphasized the launch of a national digital investment platform operating on a “single window” principle, alongside the Investment Headquarters, which ensures rapid decision-making and comprehensive government support. The “Altyn Visa” program offers tax incentives and simplified immigration procedures for foreign entrepreneurs. The President stated, “We still have a lot of work to do,” signaling that Kazakhstan has entered a new investment cycle aimed at economic diversification.

In June 2026, the country announced a 14% increase in FDI inflows, surpassing $20 billion, directed increasingly toward manufacturing, transport, logistics, and digitalization.

Sultangali Kenzhakulov, Chairman of Kazakhstan Investment Corporation, outlined the attractive incentive package: tax exemptions for 5 to 10 years or more, free land grants, customs duty exemptions on imported equipment, and facilitated foreign labor quotas during construction and initial operations, with an emphasis on training local talent.

Oleg Gushtshanskiy from KPMG EMA noted that political stability and a pragmatic state policy have turned Kazakhstan into an attractive regional hub, with a clear qualitative shift in investments toward advanced industries and artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence was a central theme in Tokayev’s address. Kazakhstan became the first country in the region to operate two advanced supercomputers and is progressing toward establishing a “Data Centers Valley.” The country aims to actively participate in this global sector, projected by UNCTAD to reach $5 trillion by 2033.

In education, TUMO and “School of Tomorrow” were launched at the Alem.ai International AI Center, while a presidential decree has positioned AI as a cornerstone of secondary education reform. AI applications are also expanding in public administration, logistics (Smart Cargo platform), and the oil and gas sector.

David Livingstone of Citi Group praised Kazakhstan as a leader in digital innovation, highlighting initiatives such as the state digital assets fund, Alatau digital city, and the agreement with NVIDIA.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Presight AI signed an agreement with the Ministry of Transport to develop smart roads, while VEON announced plans to invest an additional $1 billion over the next three years.

Tokayev also paid special attention to critical minerals, and in agriculture, Kazakhstan is shifting toward advanced food processing. Meanwhile, Astana recorded record tourism investments of $840 million in 2025.

The President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development welcomed the investment climate, projecting €1.3 billion ($1.5 billion) in investments for 2026. Fitch Ratings affirmed Kazakhstan’s BBB rating with a stable outlook.

From my perspective, Kazakhstan’s experience offers an important lesson for other Central Asian economies: sustainable investment is built not only on incentives, but also on institutional credibility, policy consistency, and a long-term strategic vision. If the current pace of reforms continues, Kazakhstan is well positioned to preserve its role as the region’s leading investment destination.

Today, Astana is no longer merely a political capital. It has emerged as an economic gateway connecting Central Asia to global markets and as a compelling model of institutional reform, digital transformation, and investment-driven growth in the region.

Abdulhamid Hamid Al-Kba -Opinion Writer Specializing in Central Asia and Azerbaijan Affairs