In recent weeks, Kazakhstan has been a major topic in global media. The country’s plans to begin shale oil production, a record-breaking grain harvest, and industrial growth have been widely reported.

Russian news agency TASS highlighted President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s remarks about strengthening economic cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Central Asian countries. Tokayev emphasized the need to monitor investment projects with China, the US, Russia, and the EU closely.

Azerbaijan-based Trend reported that Kazakhstan’s manufacturing sector recorded its highest growth in the last 10 years. In 2023, 180 investment projects worth $2.5 billion were implemented, leading to a 6% growth rate in the sector.

Turkey’s Anadolu Agency (AA) covered Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov’s announcement that Kazakhstan will produce shale oil for the first time. The national oil company, KazMunayGas, has started drilling in Atyrau, Kyzylorda, and Aktobe, with 800 million tons of estimated reserves. Additionally, a large rare-earth mineral deposit containing 17 elements was discovered in Karaganda.

Russian agency RIA Novosti reported that Kazakhstan is preparing for an OPEC+ meeting to discuss global oil production policies. Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev indicated that Kazakhstan is considering limiting its own production to balance the market.

Finally, The Times of Central Asia announced that Kazakhstan’s grain harvest reached 26.7 million tons in 2024, the highest in 13 years. The country exported 8.1 million tons of grain to Afghanistan, China, Turkey, Italy, and Central Asia, with a plan to increase exports to 12 million tons in 2025.

Additionally, last week, Kazakhstan’s expansion of digital service exports, environmental campaigns, and the victory of Kazakh fencers at an international competition were also highlighted in global media.