President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev gave an extensive interview to the Turkistan newspaper. In keeping with tradition, during his early January meeting with the media, the Head of State summarized the results of the past year and outlined the key objectives for 2026. The country’s economy grew by more than 6%, with GDP surpassing the $300 billion mark and exceeding $15,000 per capita. These are record figures not only for Kazakhstan, but for the entire region. However, the country must not rest on its laurels. This year, the government and local administrations will need to strengthen Kazakhstan’s socioeconomic framework, the President noted. At the same time, the country will develop its transit and logistics potential. This is a task of strategic importance. Kazakhstan must become a transport hub for Eurasia.
«We have succeeded in creating an extensive transport system that reaches beyond national borders. While lacking direct access to ocean shipping, Kazakhstan has nevertheless established a network of cargo terminals from the Yellow Sea to the Black Sea. Twelve international transport corridors pass through our territory: five rail and seven road corridors, which account for up to 85% of overland freight traffic between China and Europe. Of course, this does not mean we can count on easy profits. Competition in this sector is intensifying, as transport and logistics have become an integral part of geopolitics. This topic has firmly taken its place on the agenda of high-level negotiations, underscoring its exceptional importance for Kazakhstan,» Tokayev said.
The Head of State is confident that 2026 will be a decisive year for Kazakhstan. The events set to take place during this year will shape the country’s development trajectory for many years to come. Among them is a constitutional reform referendum. As the President emphasized, extensive amendments are planned that, taken together, could be comparable to adopting a new Constitution. Economic reforms will also continue, and new plans will be developed based on an assessment of the country’s 35-year path of independence.
«This year will require a great deal of work. A new phase of large-scale political transformation is beginning, and economic reforms will gain momentum. The modernization of the country must become truly irreversible, fundamentally reshaping the essence and character of our society. Our citizens will need to adapt to the realities of a new era. This is no easy task. However, our people, especially the younger generation, are capable of meeting any challenge. I am confident of this. I have declared this year the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. This is a historic opportunity for our country, as we have already discussed. Digital transformation and the introduction of artificial intelligence open up new opportunities for the development of the economy and many other spheres of life – from public administration to education and healthcare,» Tokayev added.
The Head of State
also addressed questions regarding his active foreign policy engagement. He
emphasized that the intensive schedule of visits and negotiations reflects
Kazakhstan’s growing international standing and its relevance as a subject of
international law. At the same time, each round of talks delivers tangible
economic results. Last year alone, Kazakhstan signed agreements worth more than
$70 billion. Overall, located at the heart of Eurasia, Kazakhstan does not
remain a passive observer. The country has its own independent viewpoint and
maintains a balanced position on key issues of international relations.
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