ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN – The 16th MINEX Kazakhstan Forum has officially opened applications for speakers, exhibitors, and delegates. Scheduled for 15–16 April 2026 at the Radisson Hotel Astana, the forum will convene under the theme: "Kazakhstan’s Mineral Resources: Reforms and Value Creation in a Multi-Vector Reality."
Since its inception in 2010, MINEX Kazakhstan has established itself as the premier platform for dialogue between government regulators, mining giants, junior explorers, and international investors. The 2026 edition arrives at a pivotal moment as the nation outlines its industry roadmap through 2030.
"The 2025 forum hosted over 500 delegates and 100 speakers from 30 countries. In 2026, we expect an even broader international footprint as Kazakhstan intensifies its 2030 national development strategy."
Agenda Focus
The two-day programme is designed to address the evolving geopolitical landscape and domestic regulatory shifts. Key themes include:
Agenda architecture https://2026.minexkazakhstan.com/agenda/
Networking and Recognition
The event will feature the "Mining Innovations, Technologies and Investments" exhibition, alongside B2B pitch sessions for rapid-fire project presentations. The forum will culminate in a Gala Dinner featuring the "Excellence in Mining" awards, hosted by the Kazakhstan Chamber of Mines.
Participation Options
Organisers are offering tiered participation packages to suit various objectives:
|
Packages |
Key Inclusions |
|
Exhibitors |
Choice of exhibitor booths, delegate passes, and presentation options at the pitch-up and technical sessions |
|
Speakers |
Presentation slots, speaker profiles, and post-event video distribution. |
|
Delegates |
Full access to sessions, networking app, and post-forum materials. |
Early bird rates for exhibitors are available until 1 March 2026.
Contact and Registration
For registration and the full programme architecture, visit the official website:
MINEX Forum Secretariat:
The Forum of Kazakhstan Machinery Manufactures is the main platform for dialogue between the state and business, where a conceptual vision for the development of the mechanical engineering and manufacturing industries is formed. The event will discuss mechanisms of state industrial policy, measures to stimulate import substitution, technological modernization, and increasing the competitiveness of domestic production.
More than 1,000 participants are expected to attend, including representatives of government agencies, the business community, major consumers, and leading manufacturers of machine-building products from over 20 countries.
As part of the Forum, from April 1 to 3, 2026, at the EXPO International Exhibition Center will host the KAZAKHSTAN MACHINERY FAIR 2026 international specialized exhibition, which will showcase modern technologies, equipment, and solutions for various segments of the machine-building industry.
The Forum program and participant registration are available at the website www.smkz.kz:
https://smkz.regist.kz/event.php?id=35
Join the event that determines the direction of development of Kazakhstan's machine building industry.
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#ҚазақстанМашинаЖасаушыларыныңXIIIФорумы
#ҚМЖО
#ForumOfKazakhstanMachineryManufactures #AKMI #13Forum #AssociationOfKazakhstanMachineryIndustry #mechanicalengineering
From april 28 to 30, the international construction and interior exhibition AstanaBuild will be held in astana — one of the key industry platforms for professionals in the construction sector, architecture, and design.
The event will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, developers, designers, representatives of relevant government bodies, and associations.
Companies from Kazakhstan, China, Russia, Turkey, and Uzbekistan, including collective expositions from China and Russia, will participate in the exhibition. Among the participants are both large international manufacturers and regional companies. Alubest, Alstar, Avcom Kazakhstan, Dalmex, Garant Tranzit Plus, Panelsan, Yasar, Ankor-Astana, Gypsovinyl, M-Constructor, Polymermetall-T have already confirmed their participation. The exposition will cover a wide range of products: from wall panels and aluminum profiles to elevator equipment and energy-efficient engineering solutions.
The business program of the exhibition will be an important part of the event and will focus on current issues of construction development, regulatory regulation, and industry digitalization. The program includes strategic sessions and seminars, professional meetings, discussions, and experience exchange.
AstanaBuild 2026 opens new horizons for business, helping participants to present their products, sign contracts, and make a statement in the construction market of Kazakhstan.
The event is officially supported by the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Akimat of Astana city, the Committee for Construction and Housing and Communal Services, and the RSE 'State Expertise'.
The event is organized by the Kazakhstan exhibition company Iteca and its international partner – ICA Events Group.
Admission for visitors is free upon prior registration: https://astanabuild.kz/en/get-e-invitation?promo=ASB2026MPS
Location of the event:
«EXPO» IEC, Astana, Kazakhstan
Dates: April 28 to 30, 2026
Contacts of the organizers:
Phone.: +7 771 258 34 34, +7 727 258 34 34
E-mail: Kz.Build@iteca.events
For many years, Kazakhstan’s economic narrative on the global stage was closely associated with extractive industries, large-scale infrastructure projects and its role as a transit corridor across Eurasia. By the 2020s this perception has begun to shift. An increasing number of international corporations no longer view Kazakhstan merely as a sales market and start to establish manufacturing facilities, expand production capacity and integrate local suppliers. It turns the country into a regional industrial platform with export ambitions.
From consumer market to manufacturing base
By 2025, Kazakhstan’s economy clearly demonstrates signs of structural transformation. As global supply chains are being reconfigured amid rising geopolitical and logistical uncertainty, multinational companies are actively diversifying their production footprints. In this context, Kazakhstan is steadily emerging as a manufacturing hub capable of serving not only its domestic market, but also Central Asia, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and neighbouring regions.
This shift is firmly embedded in national economic policy. Manufacturing output is expected to grow by around 6% in 2025, with a target of 6,2% set for 2026. Processing industries are increasingly becoming the backbone of economic growth, gradually reducing the country’s historical dependence on raw material exports.
Metallurgy remains one of the core drivers of Kazakhstan’s manufacturing sector. In 2026, output growth in the industry is projected at around 3%, supported by new facilities reaching full design capacity, including Kyzyl Aray Copper, Ekibastuz FerroAlloys, Kazferro Limited and Shagala Mining. In ferrous metallurgy, production of ferroalloys, steel, pig iron and flat products is expected to expand, while non-ferrous metallurgy will see increased output of gold, copper, aluminium and zinc.
Mechanical engineering is showing even stronger dynamics. Growth of 13,4% is planned for 2026, driven largely by a 17% increase in passenger vehicle production and a 5% rise in agricultural machinery output. The chemical industry is also on an upward trajectory, with production expected to grow by 7% in 2026 following the commissioning of new capacities for sulphuric acid, sodium cyanide, hydrogen peroxide and liquid glass.
Trade continues to play a significant role in the broader economic landscape. In 2026, total trade turnover is targeted at KZT 92.4 trillion, representing growth of 6,5%. This expansion will be supported by stable oil and petroleum product output, large-scale programmes for processing food and non-food goods, and the launch of four major B2B platforms focused on wholesale export trade, including the China-bound direction.
Agriculture is also gaining momentum, particularly in food processing. In 2026, production of food products and beverages is expected to grow by 9% and 9,3%, respectively, reinforcing the value-added component of the sector and enhancing its export potential.
This transformation is the result of reforms implemented in recent years. Measures aimed at improving the investment climate, modernising industrial zones and increasing regulatory predictability have created more favourable conditions for long-term capital investment. Special economic zones, tax incentives and streamlined approval procedures allow foreign manufacturers to plan production strategies with a long-term horizon.
Building the institutional foundations for industrialisation
At a time when companies are reassessing the geography of their manufacturing networks, Kazakhstan offers a combination of political stability, proximity to several large markets and a regulatory environment that is broadly familiar to international investors. This makes the country attractive as both an additional and an alternative production location.
A telling example of this shift is the global food corporation Mars. For many years, the company operated in Kazakhstan primarily as an importer and distributor, but it has already begun preparations to localise production in the Almaty region through the construction of a pet food manufacturing facility. Total investment will exceed KZT 88.8 billion, while the plant’s designed capacity is expected to reach up to 100,000 tonnes of output per year. This move underscores a broader trend among foreign manufacturers, who are increasingly opting for local production rather than relying solely on imports.
New projects are also emerging in the pharmaceutical sector. An investment agreement has been signed with Khan Tengri Biopharma, which will build a manufacturing complex within the Alatau Special Economic Zone. The facility’s production portfolio will include 27 international non-proprietary names (INNs), covering medicines for the treatment of oncological, autoimmune, rare and inflammatory diseases. Total investment in the project will exceed KZT 103 billion, enabling not only import substitution but also, in the longer term, the launch of export supplies.
Kazakhstan’s evolution into an industrial hub is equally evident in more capital-intensive and technologically demanding sectors. The launch of a full-cycle KIA automobile plant in Kostanay in 2025 marked a significant milestone for the country’s automotive industry. Investments exceeding USD 270 million are geared not only towards the domestic market, but also towards exports to Central Asia and EAEU member states. Full-cycle production requires a developed supplier network, skilled personnel and long-term planning, effectively turning such facilities into anchors for industrial clusters.
Another example of deeper localization is Wabtec. The American locomotive manufacturer has operated in Kazakhstan for many years, but its role has expanded significantly with the growth of local content and the establishment of an engineering and technology centre in Astana. Long-term contracts with the national railway company provide stable demand, while the transfer of engineering expertise and management know-how strengthens Kazakhstan’s high-tech industrial capabilities.
Localization is particularly visible in the metallurgical sector. ERG, one of the world’s leading diversified metals and mining groups, increased the share of goods and services sourced from Kazakh suppliers to 60% in 2024, up from 48% a year earlier. Special emphasis is placed on supporting local manufacturers in mono-industrial towns where ERG operates. In 2024, such procurement accounted for 21.5% of the group’s total purchases in Kazakhstan, with the trend continuing alongside the launch of new, including environmentally advanced, facilities.
Qarmet, one of Kazakhstan’s largest metallurgical assets, is implementing two strategic projects that significantly strengthen the domestic industrial base. The first involves the launch of a section rolling mill in partnership with Chinese companies, enabling full import substitution in construction metallurgy and stabilising the domestic market. The second project is the construction of a casting and rolling complex in the Karaganda region, producing hot-rolled steel with widths of up to 1,850 mm and thicknesses ranging from 0.8 to 16 mm. This output is in demand across automotive, oil and gas, nuclear, medical and pipe manufacturing industries, as well as in household appliance production. The projects are expected to reduce production costs, lower energy consumption and expand Kazakhstan’s portfolio of high-value steel products.
Building the investment pipeline
The government actively supports this industrialisation drive. A portfolio of 20 major projects with foreign participation, valued at approximately KZT 5.7 trillion, has already been formed, creating more than 11,000 jobs. In addition, nine multilateral projects involving companies from two or more countries are being implemented, with a combined value of around USD 2.4 billion and over 2,800 new jobs. Financing is facilitated through national companies and development institutions, helping to mitigate investment risks.
Most new manufacturing facilities are designed with export orientation from the outset. Automotive production, metallurgy and machinery manufacturing are increasingly targeting markets in Central Asia and the EAEU. Localization generates a strong multiplier effect across the economy: employment growth extends beyond factory floors into logistics, engineering and related services, while skills transfer contributes to the formation of a more qualified workforce.
While challenges remain, including the upgrade of technological capacity, the overall direction is clear. The expanding presence of global corporations reflects the emergence of an environment increasingly conducive to industrial development.
Investments in localization and processing demonstrate business confidence in Kazakhstan’s long-term trajectory and underscore the country’s growing ability to integrate into global and regional value chains. By attracting multinational manufacturers, promoting localization and strengthening export capacity, Kazakhstan is steadily reinforcing its position as a key industrial hub in Eurasia.
From September 17 to 19, the 30th Anniversary Central Asian International Exhibition "Mining Equipment, Extraction and Processing of Ores and Minerals" - Mining & Metals Central Asia 2025 and the 21st Kazakhstan International Exhibition "Road and Industrial Construction, Municipal Equipment" - Kazcomak 2025 will be held at the Atakent Exhibition Center.
This year, the events will unite 515 companies from 30 countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belarus, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, Iran, Spain, Italy, Kazakhstan, Canada, China, Cyprus, Kyrgyzstan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, UAE, Poland, Russia, USA, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Switzerland, South Korea, and South Africa. National stands from Austria, the United Kingdom, Germany, Iran, China, Russia, and Turkey vividly illustrate the growth of international presence at the Kazakhstan exhibition venue. There will be 68 new exhibitors (13% of the total), highlighting the strategic importance of the exhibition for new players.
The rich business program of the exhibition will be provided by dozens of speakers, including representatives of government bodies, practical experts, and representatives of major industry associations and unions. On September 17, a Plenary Session will be held on the topic "Key Issues of the Mining and Metallurgical Complex: Kazakh Content, Investments, Technologies, Logistics, International Partnership," where participants will discuss Kazakhstan's investment potential, digitalization and technological re-equipment of enterprises, development of Kazakh content, new logistics routes and supply chains, as well as international cooperation. In addition, Kcell (AI Zone Partner) together with Almaty Hub will hold a Demo Day - a unique platform for startups and developers where they can directly present their solutions to industry leaders and launch pilot projects. The content of the first exhibition day will also include practical seminars from: CiDRA Minerals Processing Inc (Spain), NLT EUROPE (South Africa), Epiroc, Proftec, and a Round Table of the Kazakhstan Mining Chamber.
On September 18, a Panel Case Session on "AI-Based Solutions for Modern Challenges of the Mining and Metallurgical Complex" will be held. Composit will conduct a specialized closed seminar on "Effective Solutions for Combating Abrasive Wear in Mining Enterprises". The business program of the exhibition will conclude with a Symposium of the German Association and a Project Presentation Session by subsoil user companies.
The Mining & Metals Central Asia and Kazcomak exhibitions remain important events for the industry, facilitating the formation of new partnerships, the implementation of innovative solutions, and addressing key challenges in the mining sector.
The event is officially supported by the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Akimat of Almaty city, the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan "Atameken," and the Republican Association of Mining and Metallurgical Enterprises (AGMP).
More detailed information about the exhibitions is available on the official websites: www.miningworld.kz , www.kazcomak.kz
With the support of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Electronica Expo Kazakhstan 2025 — the key event in electronics, electrical engineering, and digital technologies in Central Asia — will take place from July 9 to 11, 2025, at the International Exhibition Center “EXPO” in Astana.
The exhibition will showcase cutting-edge solutions — from electronic components and modules to interactive systems, consumer electronics, and ready-made digital solutions — all in one place.
More than 150 companies from 10 countries, 35+ speakers, and interactive master classes await you at the exhibition. You will also enjoy a rich business program: business conferences, round tables on energy efficiency and energy saving, panel sessions on AI, a drone football tournament, robotics competitions, and much more.
Electronica Expo Kazakhstan is the key business event for the industry, bringing together developers, manufacturers, and distributors of electronics, end users, service organizations, and other industry representatives engaged in product promotion and procurement on one platform.
Entry to the exhibition is free with prior registration.
For more information about the exhibition, please contact us via WhatsApp at +905368106898 or email us at info@electronica-expo.com.
The Abai region is leading in investments in the paper industry. From January to May 2024, 5,058.6 million tenge were invested in this sector. This accounts for 78% of the national level. While from January to May 2023, 24 million tenge were invested in paper production, over the year the volume of investments increased 211 times and exceeded 5 billion tenge. This high result was made possible due to the increased investment volumes in the production of corrugated cardboard, paper, and cardboard packaging.
Dynamics of Investments in the Paper Industry, million tenge
|
The name of the indicator |
January-May 2023 |
January-May 2024 |
height |
|
Investments in fixed assets in the Republic of Kazakhstan, million tenge |
1 244,7 |
6 493,0 |
+5,2 height |
|
Abai region, million tenge |
24,0 |
5 058,6 |
+211 height |
|
Production of corrugated cardboard, paper and cardboard containers |
20,8 |
5 058,6 |
+244 height |
Source: BNS ASPiR RK.
For four months of 2024, the volume of aluminum exports in physical terms increased 4.7 times - from 16 to 75.4 thousand tons. The growth was achieved due to an increase in demand from Azerbaijan by eight times (from 5.5 to 43.1 thousand tons), Uzbekistan - by 10.5 times (from 0.2 to 2.1 thousand tons), as well as the expansion of the geography of supplies to countries such as Belarus, Bulgaria, Italy, Poland.
The only domestic producer of aluminum in Kazakhstan is JSC "Kazakhstan electrolysis plant" (Pavlodar).
Volume of aluminum exports, tons
|
Export volume |
Jan.-Apr.2023 |
Jan.-Apr. 2024 |
dynamics |
|
Total |
15 960 |
75 375 |
+4,7 раз |
|
including: |
|
|
|
|
Azerbaijan |
5 475 |
43 093 |
+7,9 раз |
|
Poland |
- |
14 348 |
+100% |
|
Italy |
- |
3 098 |
+100% |
|
Bulgaria |
- |
2 673 |
+100% |
|
Belarus |
- |
2 273 |
+100% |
|
Uzbekistan |
196 |
2 050 |
+10,5 раз |
Source: BNS ASPiR RK.
In January-May 2024, the production of thermal insulation materials increased by 58.5% in physical terms compared to the same period last year. If 26,808 tons of thermal insulation materials were produced in the five months of 2023, then this year - 42,482 tons.
The increase in production was due to the Akmola and Aktobe regions.
The main manufacturers of thermal insulation materials in the country are the companies PTK Izoterm (East Kazakhstan region), Makinsky Thermal Insulation Plant (Akmola region) and KazTermoGroup (Aktobe region), etc.
Dynamics of the volume of production of thermal insulation materials
|
Production volume |
5 months of 2023 |
5 months of 2024 |
Height |
|
Republic of Kazakhstan, tons |
26 808 |
42 482 |
+58,5% |
|
Akmola region, tons |
4 484 |
11 917 |
+2.7 times |
|
Aktobe region, tons |
4 086 |
11 347 |
+2.8 times |
Source: BNS ASPiR RK.
Experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and South Korea discussed the region's mineral resources at the 2024 Korea-Central Asia Next-Generation Dialogue on Monday.
This year, the dialogue focused on global supply chain cooperation, with "core minerals" aligning with President Yoon Seok-yeol's agenda during his recent visit to Central Asia.
The Korean government plans to enhance cooperation in key mineral supply chains with Central Asian countries through the "K-Silk Road" initiative.
South Korea's new diplomatic strategy seeks to connect Asia and Europe by deepening ties with Central Asia.
Speaking with The Korea Herald [https://m.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20240625050458] on the sidelines of the forum, Kazakhstan's Deputy Chairman of the Industry Committee, Turar Zholmagambetov, discussed Kazakhstan's ambition to become a midstream country in battery materials and plans to establish five plants producing lithium cathode, nickel, and cobalt within the next four to five years.
“KIGAM is currently exploring lithium in Kazakhstan. After this, we plan to produce pyroxene in spodumene and eventually lithium cathode,” Zholmagambetov told.
Spodumene is a lithium aluminum silicate mineral crucial as a commercial source of lithium.
“Currently, we produce high-purity manganese cathode, holding a 5 percent share of the global market. Next year, we aim to increase this share to 11 or 12 percent with two highly anticipated projects,” Zholmagambetov added.
The forum is seen as a step forward in South Korea's strategy to build stronger supply chain partnerships with Central Asia to connect Asia and Europe through enhanced cooperation in the key mineral sector.