Kazakhstan signs $4.8 bn in investment deals at KGIR-2026 in Shymkent

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov took part in the 9th Kazakhstan Global Investment Roundtable (KGIR-2026), held in Shymkent. More than 500 investors and business representatives from over 40 countries attended. At the plenary session, the prime minister said Kazakhstan's GDP exceeded $300 billion last year with 6.5% growth, and that the country has attracted almost half a trillion dollars in foreign direct investment since independence.

A total of 22 documents worth $4.8 billion were signed on the sidelines of the forum. The largest include a 1,000 MW wind power plant with an energy storage system in Kostanay region ($730 million), a network of 20 regional inclusive schools ($1 billion), and a multifunctional terminal in the first phase of development of Kuryk port ($1 billion).

Bektenov invited investors to join projects including the Data Center Valley in Ekibastuz and the Alatau City high-tech city. S&P raised Kazakhstan's sovereign rating to 'BBB' with a stable outlook, its first upgrade in a decade. The country also rose 17 places to 53rd in the Global Investment Risk and Resilience Index.