PRESS RELEASE
16 September 2026 Astana
Astana rises eight places in GFCI 40 and retains regional leadership
In the 40th edition of the Global Financial Centres Index, Kazakhstan’s capital ranked 57th among 117 financial centres worldwide. Astana’s rating increased by 18 points, from 684 to 702.
Astana improved its position in the Global Financial Centres Index 40 (GFCI 40), climbing eight places from 65th to 57th. The city retained its leading position in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, which it has held for more than three years.
In the regional ranking, Astana was followed by Cyprus, which ranked 72nd globally, and Warsaw, which placed 78th. The gap between Astana and its closest regional competitor was 15 places.
Astana’s rise came against a 1.09% decline in the average rating of financial centres in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. At the same time, the authors of the index noted that the region’s leading financial centres continued to strengthen their positions.
Astana was also named among the ten financial centres expected by survey participants to play a more significant role in the global financial system over the next two to three years. Kazakhstan’s capital ranked ninth on the list, receiving 45 mentions from respondents.
In the separate FinTech ranking, Astana rose four places from 55th to 51st.
“Astana’s eight-place rise and continued regional leadership send an important signal of growing confidence in the AIFC and Kazakhstan among the international financial community. For us, a position in the ranking is not an end in itself, but an independent assessment of the work we are consistently pursuing: improving the legal and regulatory environment, developing capital markets and financial technologies, and expanding international ties. Our goal is for this progress to be measured not only by Astana’s standing among global financial centres, but above all by new investment, international companies and opportunities for Kazakhstani businesses,” said Renat Bekturov, Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre.
GFCI 40 assessed 139 financial centres, 117 of which were included in the main index. The ranking was compiled using 144 quantitative measures provided by international organisations, including the World Bank, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the United Nations, as well as 39,531 assessments from 6,147 financial sector professionals.
Survey respondents also identified the priority areas that financial centres should focus on over the next five years. These include developing digital infrastructure, including cloud technologies, data transmission and cyber resilience; attracting FinTech companies and digital asset businesses; strengthening systems to combat money laundering and financial crime; and further deepening capital markets.
New York retained first place in the global ranking, followed by London, Hong Kong and Singapore. Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul, Shenzhen, Dubai and Zurich also ranked among the top ten.
The GFCI is published twice a year and is one of the leading international benchmarks for the competitiveness of financial centres. The index is produced by the UK-based think tank Z/Yen Group in partnership with the China Development Institute (CDI). It assesses financial centres across five broad areas: business environment, financial sector development, infrastructure, human capital and reputation.
Astana first entered the GFCI ranking in March 2018 and became the leading financial centre in Eastern Europe and Central Asia in March 2023. The Astana International Financial Centre has made a significant contribution to strengthening the city’s position by developing its legal and regulatory environment, financial infrastructure, capital and digital asset markets, and expanding opportunities for international and regional investors.
The AIFC provides businesses with access to financial instruments and international markets, an independent dispute resolution system, regulation based on international standards, and an environment for the development of financial technologies. The Centre continues to strengthen Astana’s role as a regional platform for attracting investment, facilitating capital flows and implementing cross-border projects.
Reference:
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction where investors and business meet emerging opportunities of Kazakhstan and Central Asia in a transparent and sustainable environment backed by the principles of English Common Law. www.aifc.kz
AIFC Press Office,
Ainur Issabayeva, press secretary
E-mail: pr@aifc.kz
On April 23-24, 2026, the International Craft Festival «Taraz — City of Craftsmen» will be held at the historical and ethnocultural complex «Kone Taraz» in the city of Taraz.
This is not just a festival, but a major cultural platform that combines traditions and modernity, contributing to the revival of national heritage and the development of craft art.
The festival will gather over 100 craftsmen from foreign countries (Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan), as well as from neighboring regions of Kazakhstan (Almaty and Turkestan). Local artisans will also present their work.
To create a special atmosphere and inspire the guests, a rich program is planned: a scientific and practical conference on the topic «Taraz — City of Craftsmen. Traditional and Modern Crafts», an exhibition of handcrafted items, workshops, and an exhibition of young artisans and artists titled «My World: Fantasy and Reality».
Additionally, the International Fashion Week «ASPARA FASHION WEEK» will take place as part of the festival, where national styles and modern trends will blend harmoniously.
The musical program «Dombyra Party», which will be held next to the felt item included in the Guinness World Records, will give the guests an atmosphere of live traditional music.
Festival guests will have the opportunity to discover the secrets of craft art, see a showcase of national clothing, and enjoy a gala concert featuring pop stars.
Moreover, participants will be able to purchase the items they like and take part in tours of the historical and cultural landmarks of the city.
From April 22 to 26, the IX International Book Exhibition and Fair Astana Eurasian Book Fair 2026 will be held at the Presidential Center in the capital. It is one of the largest cultural and educational events in Central Asia, according to the official website of the city administration. The event is organized by Foliant Publishing House with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Akimat of Astana. Approximately 80 companies representing the publishing, printing, bookselling, and academic sectors will take part in the fair. Around half of them are Kazakhstani organizations, while some 40 companies are expected from Russia, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Spain, China, Iran, Belarus, Portugal, Venezuela, and the United Kingdom. The five-day program will feature a wide range of cultural and business events, including book presentations, meetings with authors, autograph sessions, and special masterclasses at the children’s activity zone. Among the highlights are presentations of the following publications: «Turkish Cuisine» (published with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey), Bekarys Shoibekov’s collection of aitys «Bekarys — The Golden Voice of Aitys», Marzhan Yershu’s poem «A Solitary Hand», «Yeldos Smetov. Endurance. Faith. Victory» from the «Contemporaries» series, Yerlan Kozhabayev’s photo album «Kazakh Ornaments», Andrzej Sapkowski’s fantasy novel «The Witcher», Ularbek Daley’s historical novel «Batu Khan», «The Ownerless Shadow» by Alisher Rakhat, «The Journey of Hope» by Spanish writer Javier Moro, «For Whom the Bell Tolls» by Ernest Hemingway, «A Poem-Woman» by Azerbaijani poet Rasmia Sabir, Baiyt Kabanuly’s «Mongol Poetry», «The Tears of the White Zhaiyk» by Nursultan Myktybay, as well as the album books «Turkestan — Eternal and Ever New» and «Dimash Qudaibergen. Infinite Music». On April 23, in celebration of the National Book Day, an official award ceremony will be held for the winners of the national competition Ulttyq Kitap, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan. The official opening ceremony of the exhibition will take place on April 22 at 11:00, with the participation of government and public figures, prominent writers, and foreign ambassadors.
We extend our deepest condolences to the people of Iran over the loss of civilian lives, including children, as well as members of the senior leadership of the Islamic Republic as a result of the recent tragic events.
We express regret over the strikes against civilian facilities of Arab states that are not participating in the war against Iran, and with which Kazakhstan consistently develops friendly relations and comprehensive cooperation.
Compliance with the norms of international humanitarian law requires special protection of civilian objects and the civilian population during armed conflicts. Kazakhstan, as one of the initiators of the Global Initiative to Strengthen Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law, emphasizes the importance of preserving humanity in times of armed conflict.
We reaffirm our unwavering principled position on the need to resolve international disputes and conflicts exclusively through political and diplomatic means, with strict observance of international law and the UN Charter.
We call on all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and responsibility in order to prevent further escalation of violence in the region.
Dear compatriots!
Continuing its mission to promote the Kazakh language, the Otandastar Foundation will launch a new series of free online Kazakh language courses starting in March 2026!
Language is not only a mirror of the nation but also a tool to better understand your own history. This course will help expand your cultural and linguistic horizons.
Ethnic Kazakhs living abroad, former compatriots, or citizens of Kazakhstan residing abroad;
No age restrictions;
Interest in learning and developing Kazakh language skills;
Ability to attend online classes regularly;
Basic equipment: a computer or smartphone with internet access.
Develop skills in speaking, writing, and understanding Kazakh fluently;
Learning the language opens new opportunities in government, business, and cultural events.
The online courses comprehensively develop listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.
Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate by meeting the following requirements:
Complete all lessons:
– Attend all lessons;
– Complete assignments and pass tests.
Pass a final exam or test:
– A final exam or test will be conducted to assess overall knowledge;
– Oral or written tasks may be required.
Show active participation:
– Certificates will be awarded to those who attend regularly and actively participate in classes.
In addition to language, participants will have the opportunity to learn about Kazakh culture and traditions.
As participants improve their language skills, they will gain confidence in expressing themselves in new environments.
Interactive lessons designed for you;
Engaging video materials and literary works.
The online Kazakh language course is offered in A1, A2, B1, and B2 levels for Turkish-speaking and Russian-speaking audiences.
To register and join the course, take a placement test using the links below:
Test in Russian:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHSwC1Bh7oodrUEqaCIVwPXmIlR4yGaMOZa2JjlKkVrwQG6Q/viewform?usp=dialog
Test in Turkish:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoCUYTiYCmNHLKhoGF12NZ00La_c_xHs51ZX8LP31pJrjjSQ/viewform?usp=dialog
A1: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LjaLJXMkz8d4G9MuMF3uUy
A2: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Eo9wP7FYd7YLqnBEPDEw4n
B1: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JlVlOJjHNZhLsZK2gaeX4H
B2: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JOkqN6WOmRxCnWg96G5X81
A1: https://t.me/+TmqhiKZHeVJiOWEy
A2: https://t.me/+erC61FUMki00YTAy
B1: https://t.me/+tbNy0C7bOoNlNDA6
B2: https://t.me/+A3V_axFsPp40ZmM6
Once you join the WhatsApp group, please wait for the instructor’s guidelines. The instructor will send the schedule after all participants complete the placement test. The online Kazakh language course is scheduled to begin in March 2026.
On February 12, 2026, Ambassador Republic of Kazakhstan to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Gaziz Akbasov met with the National Disaster Management Authority Nuruddin Torabi.
During the meeting, the head of the agency expressed gratitude to Kazakhstan for its continued support in the political and humanitarian spheres, emphasizing that the Kazakh people have always provided assistance to Afghans in difficult times. N. Torabi noted the mutual respect and Afghanistan's readiness to support Kazakhstan if necessary.
In response, Ambassador G. Akbasov thanked for the kind words and confirmed that Kazakhstan views Afghanistan as a close neighbor and brother, continuing to provide assistance without expectation of reciprocity. He emphasized that annual humanitarian aid has become a tradition, and Kazakhstan intends to continue this tradition in 2026.
The parties discussed practical initiatives. Kazakhstan plans to send medical missions this spring, expanding the list of specialists and conducting a needs analysis in conjunction with the Afghan Ministry of Health. Furthermore, the possibility of sending another humanitarian aid shipment is being considered. The ambassador proposed identifying Afghanistan's specific needs, including food items (flour, rice, oil) and non-food items (tents, blankets, clothing, kitchen utensils).
G.Akbasov also mentioned the interest of Kazakh companies in collaborating on equipment to combat rockfalls and landslides, noting that a proposal has already been sent to the Afghan side.
The Kazakh ambassador proposed trilateral cooperation with international organizations to finance humanitarian initiatives, which N.Torabi supported.
18 January 2026 — A meeting was held in Kabul between the Head of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Afghanistan, Gaziz Akbasov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi.
At the beginning of the meeting, Minister A. Muttaqi welcomed the Kazakh diplomats and emphasized Afghanistan’s readiness for practical cooperation, noting the great importance attached to the development of bilateral relations.
Ambassador G. Akbasov expressed his gratitude for the reception, conveyed warm wishes from the leadership of Kazakhstan, and expressed confidence in further strengthening bilateral ties.
The Kazakh side also noted the positive dynamics of relations, particularly in the trade and economic sphere, emphasizing that Kazakhstan views Afghanistan as a key partner and considers it a major transit hub between Central and South Asia.
In this context, Kazakhstan confirmed its readiness to increase trade volumes, expand the range of traded goods, and invest in Afghanistan’s transport and logistics infrastructure, agricultural processing, mining and metallurgical sector, energy, and healthcare.
As an example of regional connectivity, special emphasis was placed on the “Turghundi – Herat – Spin Boldak” railway project.
The successful practice of mutual trade and economic missions was highlighted, as a result of which a number of agreements worth over USD 500 million were signed over the past four years.
In this context, in order to strengthen regional cooperation, the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed holding negotiations in Kabul at the level of foreign ministers in the format “Central Asia + Afghanistan”.
Overall, the meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere, confirming the mutual interest in further developing political, trade, economic, and infrastructure cooperation.
On December 24, 2025, a working visit of the delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan took place in Mazar-i-Sharif, headed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Afghanistan G. Akbasov, along with representatives of the Trade House of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
During the meeting with the Governor of Balkh Province Mohammad Yusuf Wafa, the Afghan side declared the priority of comprehensive cooperation with Kazakhstan, emphasizing the leading role of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the region.
The parties actively discussed the development of trade and economic ties and infrastructure projects. The Afghan side recalled the proposals for the construction of a school and a 200-bed hospital, voiced during the meeting with the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Afghanistan Y.Tukumov, and added the idea of a municipal complex in Mazar-i-Sharif.
Kazakhstan confirmed its readiness to strengthen sustainable trade with the northern provinces and develop logistics through the «Khairaton» checkpoint.
The Governor expressed his desire to visit Kazakhstan as part of an Afghan trade delegation and confirmed support for Kazakhstani business.
The parties agreed to continue dialogue on issues of regional stability, humanitarian cooperation, and business contacts.
Further, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan met with the Chairman of the Trade and Investment Chamber (TIC) of Balkh Province Mohammad Ibrahim Ghazanfar.
Discussions focused on expanding trade, exporting Afghan fruits to the Republic of Kazakhstan, supplying Kazakhstani goods, and joint investments. Particular emphasis was placed on attracting Kazakhstani investments in Afghanistan's mining industry, where competition is currently high.
The Afghan side proposed creating a branch of the Kazakhstani Trade House in Mazar-i-Sharif based at the TIC and utilizing the successful experience of a trading platform involving Gazanfar Bank.
Following the negotiations, the parties confirmed their determination to actively develop trade and investment partnership.
The visit became another step in implementing Kazakhstan's pragmatic policy aimed at strengthening economic ties with Afghanistan.
Kabul, December 8, 2025 – Yerkin Tukumov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Afghanistan, Ambassador–at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, carried out a working trip to Afghanistan on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, aimed at implementing the instructions of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who attaches special priority to the development of constructive cooperation with Afghanistan and its involvement in regional processes.
During the trip, Y.Tukumov held a number of meaningful meetings with the Afghan leadership, including Minister of Foreign Affairs A. Muttaki, Governor of Balkh Province M.Y.Wafa, Deputy Minister of Public Works M.Sahibzada, as well as representatives of other key departments. The main focus of the talks was on expanding cooperation in trade and economic, transport and logistics, industrial, infrastructural, agricultural, humanitarian, educational and medical fields, as well as security and counter-terrorism issues.
The Afghan side paid sincere attention to Kazakhstan's humanitarian initiative, the mission of a team of Kazakhstani doctors who worked in Afghanistan at the end of November this year. It was emphasized that the activities of Kazakhstani doctors had an important effect, allowing them to provide qualified care to a significant number of patients and support the work of local clinics. According to the Afghan representatives, the doctors' mission has become not only a practical manifestation of friendship and partnership, but also a concrete contribution of Kazakhstan to strengthening the social stability of Afghan society, reducing tensions related to the shortage of medical personnel and resources.
During the talks with the head of the Afghan Foreign Ministry and other relevant departments, the construction of the Turgundi–Herat–Kandahar–Spin-Boldak railway, which is of strategic importance for the transport integration of Afghanistan and the expansion of regional trade flows, was discussed. Consultations were held on the current state of the project preparation, its technical parameters and the planned stages of implementation. It was emphasized that the north-south path will connect the key economic centers of Afghanistan with the nodal logistics points of Central and South Asia, creating conditions for diversifying foreign trade, increasing household incomes and increasing the country's transit potential. The Afghan leadership, in turn, noted that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's policy of strengthening regional connectivity and supporting infrastructure projects is perceived in Kabul as an important factor in stabilizing and reviving Afghanistan economically.
Afghan Foreign Minister A. Muttaki noted that Kazakhstan is one of the most consistent and predictable partners providing real assistance to the socio-economic sustainability of Afghanistan. According to him, the initiative of the Kazakh President to strengthen regional connectivity and support humanitarian projects in Afghanistan helps mitigate the effects of economic challenges, promotes the expansion of trade flows and creates additional employment opportunities for the population.
The Governor of Balkh Province, M.Y.Vafa, stressed that Kazakhstan, through its activities, makes an important contribution to improving the socio-economic environment of Afghanistan by supporting infrastructure projects, logistics initiatives and supplying vital food products, which helps to reduce tension and strengthen stability on the ground. The Afghan representatives noted that having a reliable partner focused on long-term solutions is a key factor in building sustainable foundations for Afghanistan's internal development.
The leadership of the Afghan agencies expressed their gratitude for the personal attention of the President Tokayevs referred to the situation in Afghanistan, stressing that such an approach helps to maintain a balance of interests in the region, strengthens trust between countries and demonstrates the responsible role of Kazakhstan as a state that consistently advocates stability, peace and development. The Afghan side noted that Kazakhstan's active diplomacy and practical support significantly contribute to reducing the risks of humanitarian degradation, strengthening economic stability and preserving space for political dialogue in Afghanistan.
Following the talks, the parties confirmed their intention to continue an intensive dialogue and expand practical cooperation in all key areas, based on the common interests of peace, stability and prosperity in the region.