AGP Executive Report

SCO Summit Watch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bishkek for the SCO meeting, aiming to advance India’s priorities on counter-terrorism and connectivity while navigating China’s growing influence. Regional Sports & Culture: Kazakhstan kept its World Nomad Games momentum with kokpar wins (beating Hungary 9-4) and a first-place finish in the 2400-meter Chabysh race; the wider medal table has Kyrgyzstan leading, with Kazakhstan second. Kazakhstan Economy: A PMI survey shows Kazakhstan’s service sector growth cooled in August, though it stayed in expansion territory as new orders softened and staffing fell. Energy Focus: Qazaqgaz says Kazakhstan’s natural gas potential could become as strategic as oil, banking on exploration and associated gas to meet rising domestic demand. Capital Markets: Kazakhstan is considering faster IPO and bond issuance timelines, but analysts warn liquidity and investor demand remain the real hurdle. US Open Spotlight: Elena Rybakina advanced to the US Open third round, moving closer to the world No. 1 ranking.

Central Banking & Gold: The World Gold Council says central banks added 23 net tonnes of gold in July, with China and Poland leading; Kazakhstan bought 1 tonne and its gold holdings now make up 75% of reserves. Agribusiness Finance: The EBRD approved up to €25m in senior lending to Kazakhstan’s TBF Holding Group for seasonal working capital to boost organic crop trading and exports, backed by a €500,000 grant. Nuclear Energy: Kazakhstan signed a contract with Rosatom for its first nuclear power plant, with EPC work also reported—another major step in the country’s energy plans. Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: President Tokayev tasked the new foreign minister with protecting Kazakh citizens abroad and pushing balanced economic diplomacy. Regional Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan discussed expanding transport links, including more transit of Kazakh energy through Azerbaijan and joint logistics projects. Tech & Society: ChatGPT and other AI services faced outages worldwide, including in Kazakhstan. Education & Culture: A school in Uzbekistan was named after Kazakh writer Rahmetolla Rayimqulov, with Kazakh-Uzbek cultural cooperation highlighted. Weather: Forecast warns of dust storms in parts of western/southern regions, fog in many areas, and widespread fire danger.

Rare Earth Deal: Lindian Resources signed a binding long-term partnership with French separation specialist Carester, starting work on an 8,000-tonne-per-year rare earth oxide separation facility in Kazakhstan (Stepnogorsk), with a definitive feasibility study due by Q4 2026 and a 10-year offtake plus extension options. Nuclear Power Push: Kazakhstan moved its first nuclear power plant project into practical implementation, with an intergovernmental agreement paving the way for approvals and a focus on local supply chains. Government Shake-Up: Yerzhan Sadenov was retained as interior minister, Dauren Kossanov reappointed as defense minister, and new senior appointments were approved across deputy prime minister and key ministries. Transport & Border Tech: Kazakhstan advanced plans for a nuclear-era energy future and also tested/rolled out electronic entry permits for foreigners. SCO Spotlight: The Bishkek Declaration reaffirmed the SCO is not a military bloc while setting priorities on security, trade and technology. Nomad Games Sports: Kazakhstan led early in a 300-km equestrian marathon at the World Nomad Games, while ordo competitions continued in Kyrchyn. Online Commerce: Ozon began letting sellers store goods in Almaty and Astana to speed deliveries across Kazakhstan and into Russia.

Kazakhstan–South Korea Talks: In Astana, Kazakhstan’s foreign ministry said officials discussed expanding practical cooperation in AI, industry, infrastructure, and education, with both sides planning more high-level events. Energy Cooperation: KMG met China’s CNOOC in Astana to review the Zhylyoi Caspian exploration project and future oilfield services, including drilling and localization. Oil Market Watch: Reuters reports OPEC+ is likely to keep October output policy unchanged, with Kazakhstan among key members—though Iran-war disruptions are limiting the group’s price influence. Border & Travel Rules: Kazakhstan is testing and rolling out electronic entry permits for visa-free travelers, including QazETA-style access for Kyrgyz citizens. Nomad Games Spotlight: Kazakhstan’s Tulebekov won gold in zhamby atu, while the equestrian marathon “Köçmön dörrü” has Kazakhstan leading after the first 50 km stage. Sports (Kazakhstan in focus): Elena Rybakina beat Thea Frodin at the US Open, and Kazakhstan’s athletes also featured in World Nomad Games medal runs.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Leaders adopted the Bishkek Declaration, pledging deeper cooperation on security, trade, technology and sustainable development, while stressing “no double standards” in the fight against terrorism and raising concerns about Afghanistan’s role in drugs and extremism. Kazakhstan Politics: Erlan Karin was confirmed as Kazakhstan’s reinstated vice president, signaling a wider reorganization under the new Kurultai system. New Entry Rules: Kazakhstan has started rolling out QazETA paid electronic entry permits for visa-free travelers, with air travel mandatory from Nov. 1 and further phases for land, rail and sea crossings. Economy Watch: Manufacturing overtook mining in industrial output for the first time, but a separate PMI report shows manufacturing conditions deteriorated sharply in August. Agriculture Tech: Kazakhstan is deploying drones to release beneficial insects for more eco-friendly crop protection, boosting biological efficiency versus manual release. Energy & Industry: ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies appointed new heads for their Kazakhstan operations. Sports: Elena Rybakina advanced at the US Open after a straight-sets win, while Coco Gauff also moved on.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Kazakhstan and other SCO members signed the Bishkek Declaration, pushing cooperation on security, trade and technology while rejecting “double standards” in the fight against terrorism. Water and terrorism at the top of the agenda: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif called water the region’s “lifeblood” and warned it must never be weaponised, while India’s Modi urged SCO states to dismantle the “ecosystem of terrorism” and treat it as never a “strategic asset.” Kazakhstan entry rules: Kazakhstan is rolling out paid electronic QazETA permits for foreigners, with pilot testing until Nov. 1 and wider requirements from Nov. 15 and Dec. 15, including for Russian citizens. Local governance and services: Kazakhstan opened 57 new schools ahead of the 2026-27 academic year to ease overcrowding, alongside ongoing renovations and safety upgrades. Public safety in the region: Sharjah police are investigating the deaths of two Kazakh sisters found dead in an apartment after they went missing. Tech and travel: Kazakhstan, Poland discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, while Kazakhstan also pilots QazETA travel authorization for visa-free visitors.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is among leaders gathering for the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, hosted by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, with talks set to cover regional security, trade, transport, digital tech and AI. Terrorism and “double standards”: India’s PM Narendra Modi used the summit to demand dismantling terrorism’s full “ecosystem” and warned against treating it differently across countries. Iran-US deal stance: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran will “immediately reciprocate” if the US returns to commitments under a recent memorandum. Putin on SCO’s scale: Vladimir Putin called the SCO the world’s largest regional bloc, spanning about half the planet’s population, and stressed trade in national currencies. Kazakhstan policy updates: Kazakhstan is considering scrapping VAT on servicing QR payments and other cashless transfers, and is rolling out paid electronic entry permits (QazETA) for foreign arrivals with phased start dates and set fees. Finance: KazMunayGas issued 3.5 billion yuan in Dim Sum bonds, a potential yuan-financing benchmark for Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Kazakhstan’s leaders are in Kyrgyzstan as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation marks its 25th anniversary, with Xi, Putin and Modi all attending and the agenda focused on security, connectivity and trade amid wars and US pressure. Kazakhstan Leadership Reset: President Tokayev appointed Erlan Karin as Kazakhstan’s vice president after parliament approved the nomination, as the country’s new constitutional order takes shape. Russia-Kazakhstan Ties: Putin told Tokayev relations are a “two-way street,” citing growing trade and humanitarian cooperation, including tens of thousands of Kazakh students studying in Russia. World Nomad Games: Kazakhstan is sending more than 150 athletes to the VI World Nomad Games in Issyk-Kul, with the opening in Bishkek drawing wide international participation. Media Under Pressure: Orda.kz announced it will shut down from September 1, citing financial strain. Regional Watch: A BBC Uzbek report says an Uzbek critical-minerals scholar was arrested in Kazakhstan on espionage charges.

Government Shake-Up: Kazakhstan’s new leadership moves fast: President Tokayev appointed Erlan Karin as Vice President under the new constitution, while deputies backed Olzhas Bektenov as Prime Minister; Bektenov says law and order, at least 5% GDP growth, higher incomes, lower inflation, and a big construction push will anchor policy, with digitalization and AI a 2026 priority. SCO Summit Focus: Kazakhstan is watching the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek closely as leaders including Xi, Putin and Modi gather; Iran’s Pezeshkian arrives to join talks aimed at boosting regional cooperation and countering US influence, with Modi also set for meetings on the sidelines. Investment Drive: Kazakhstan launches a new investment cycle targeting manufacturing, deep processing and high-tech, using fast-track approvals and a digital investment platform, with dozens of agreements signed across pharma, energy, metallurgy, agriculture and infrastructure. Security at Schools: Kazakhstan is stepping up child safety measures as schools add surveillance coverage—over 283,000 cameras installed—plus road checks near education sites. Energy & Trade Links: Kazakhstan’s oil output faces pressure after pipeline attacks, while Lindian Resources secured exclusive access to heavy rare-earth feedstock in Kazakhstan, potentially supporting magnet-related materials. Crime Crackdown: Prosecutors say “KhimProm” ran a call-center network in Ukraine to recruit drug dealers for illegal sales in Kazakhstan, with seven suspects detained. Tech/Leisure: A Kazakh-made fitness game, “Pushup RPG: Fitness Quest,” has topped 100,000 installs after viral push-up videos.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kyrgyzstan for the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, with meetings expected on the sidelines including with Russian President Vladimir Putin; the SCO marks its 25th anniversary and leaders from member states are gathering in Bishkek. China-Tibet disaster: Search-and-rescue continues after a mudslide at Gyirong Port wiped out 261 people from 23 countries; Chinese authorities list missing foreigners including 104 Nepalis, 49 Indians, and others from Latvia, the US, the UK—and one Kazakhstan citizen—while Nepal’s death toll keeps rising. Kazakhstan in sport: Elena Rybakina says she’s on track to recover from an ankle injury and play the U.S. Open, while Kazakhstan’s athletes also posted results across judo and other events, including a strong showing at the Lausanne Deaf Judo Masters. Regional ties & mobility: Reports also point to growing connectivity themes around the SCO, including discussion of new transport routes and cooperation across Eurasia.

Disaster Response: China says 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries remain unaccounted for after a mudslide hit Gyirong Port on the Nepal–Tibet border on Aug. 26, including 1 Kazakh citizen; authorities say embassies have been notified and no foreign tourists are stranded in Gyirong County. Regional Impact: Nepal’s death toll from the wider floods and glacial collapse has climbed to 724, with about 2,500 still missing. Kazakhstan–EU Outlook: Foreign media frames Kazakhstan’s new Qurultay as a step toward more predictable institutions, potentially boosting long-term cooperation with the EU in energy and the Trans-Caspian transport route. Defense Modernization: Reports say Kazakhstan could receive Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation jets within two years, as part of air force upgrades. Aviation Incident: FlyArystan’s Airbus A320 caught fire at Almaty Airport during maintenance; no crew or passengers were onboard and one employee was injured. Culture & Media: Kazakhstan’s film push goes global, with “Jamilya in Paris” shooting in France and Jackie Chan’s “Armour of God: Ultimatum” bringing an international crew to Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan’s Kurultai Reset: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev opened the first session of the country’s new unicameral parliament in Astana, marking a major political transition after the government stepped down ahead of the Kurultai’s work. SCO Summit Focus: As the Shanghai Cooperation Organization prepares to meet in Bishkek on Sept. 1, leaders from 17 countries and UN chief António Guterres are expected, with Kazakhstan’s Tokayev among the key attendees. Anti-Nuclear Reminder: Kazakhstan marked Aug. 29, the International Day against Nuclear Tests, recalling the 1991 closure of the Semipalatinsk test site and renewed calls for CTBT entry into force. Digital Cooperation Expansion: The Digital Cooperation Organization approved eight countries—including Kazakhstan—for membership, potentially boosting its reach to 24 states. National Fund Update: Kazakhstan’s National Bank said the National Fund earned $2.92bn in Q2 2026, with assets projected to rise to $70.6bn by 2029. Sports & Youth Tech: Kazakhstan named a robotics team for FIRST Global Challenge 2026, and a Kazakh judoka won gold in Lausanne in the -81 kg category.

Kazakhstan’s Kurultai Launch: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev opened the first session of the new 145-seat unicameral parliament in Astana, setting a fast legislative agenda on modernization and institutional reform. The chamber is heavily renewed, with 111 new deputies, and women hold 49 seats (33.8%), a record for Kazakhstan. Government Reset: Tokayev signed a decree dismissing the government after the legislative vote, with the cabinet staying in place until a new government is approved by the Kurultai. Trade Shift: China has overtaken Russia as Kazakhstan’s top trading partner, taking 23.2% of foreign trade turnover in Jan–Jun versus Russia’s 18.4%, with China supplying more machinery and investment goods. Energy & Industry: China shipped Kazakhstan its first domestically developed F-class heavy-duty gas turbine (50MW G50) for a power project. Regional Security: CSTO states met in Aktau to prepare a new anti-drug operation, “Channel – Caspian Beacon,” starting its active phase in October 2026. Nuclear Test Reminder: Tokayev marked the UN International Day against Nuclear Tests, recalling Kazakhstan’s closure of Semipalatinsk 35 years ago and urging nuclear powers to resume talks and ban tests.

Kurultai Leadership: Kazakhstan’s new unicameral parliament, the Qurultay, has begun work in Astana, electing Aibek Dadebay as Speaker and naming deputy chairs including Daniya Yespayeva and Dinara Zakiyeva, with experts pointing to broader political and gender representation and a heavy legislative agenda ahead. Women in Politics: Kazakhstan reports women now hold one-third of seats in the Qurultay, citing long-running state programs and training initiatives to boost women’s leadership. Government Reset: Kazakhstan’s government has resigned after Tokayev’s decision, setting up a new phase of appointments as the Kurultai session gets underway. International Diplomacy: Kazakhstan and Germany are pushing new joint investment and industrial projects through a key business cooperation format, while Kazakhstan and Belgium discuss a flax-processing venture to move from raw exports to value-added production. Transport & Trade: Kazakhstan and Russia say rail freight is rising and are working to speed up border processing at Iletsk-1, aiming to increase capacity and reduce delays. Sports: Astana will host a Davis Cup tie between Kazakhstan and Thailand, with tickets already on sale. Regional Shock: Nepal-Tibet flash floods continue to leave thousands missing across borders, with multiple countries reporting citizens unaccounted for.

Kurultai Launch in Astana: Kazakhstan’s first convocation of the new unicameral Kurultai officially began work on Aug. 28, with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev calling it a new stage for renewing the political system and urging deputies to deliver real results. Public Support for Reforms: Tokayev said citizens backed the changes, citing a turnout of more than 74% and stressing “Different views – one nation,” with international observers monitoring the vote. Government Transition: The Cabinet will keep performing its duties until a new government is approved, as 145 Kurultai deputies were registered and mandates allocated among parties. Infrastructure Push: Kazakhstan reported repairing 8,470 km of roads since 2024 (about 85% of the 2028 target), aiming to improve safety and connectivity. Child Safety Online: Tokayev backed a proposed ban on social media accounts for under-16s, with legislation to be considered by the Kurultai. Disaster Watch (Regional Impact): Nepal’s Rasuwa flood left 2,381 people unaccounted for, including 644 foreign nationals, while Nepal-China flash floods also continue to raise missing-person figures. Tech & AI Debate: Experts at Nazarbayev University warned that while AI can automate tasks, human verification and expertise remain essential.

Nepal Flood Crisis: Flash floods and landslides on the Nepal–Tibet border have killed at least 392 people and left about 1,468 missing, with rescuers still searching across both sides; Kazakhstan is also trying to locate at least one Kazakh tourist reported unaccounted for after the disaster. Kazakhstan–UAE Diplomacy: In Abu Dhabi, Kazakhstan and the UAE agreed to expand consular cooperation and share best practices, with talks also touching water-security plans ahead of a major UN water conference in December. Trade & Investment: Kazakhstan and the UAE pledged to deepen trade and investment ties, while Uzbekistan’s trade figures show a widening 7M deficit—an indirect reminder of how regional flows are shifting. Science & Education: Four foreign scientists were elected as foreign members of Kazakhstan’s Academy of Sciences, aiming to boost international research links. Politics at Home: Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission registered 145 deputies of the new Kurultai, including 110 from the Adilet party. Culture & Tourism: Kazakhstan promoted its literary heritage in Guangzhou, while a Kazakhstan–U.S. pop-culture moment boosted tourism after Kanye West’s surprise court appearance and earlier Kazakhstan show.