Kazakhstan Pursues Economic and Diplomatic Momentum Amid Domestic Controversy
LONDON, 31 January 2026 – Kazakhstan is actively strengthening its international economic partnerships while navigating significant domestic challenges, according to a series of diplomatic and business developments reported over the past week. Key events include high-level UK-Kazakh talks on mining investment, a major Israeli diplomatic visit, and continued efforts to restore output at the critical Tengiz oil field.
UK-Kazakh Relations Deepen
The British Embassy in Astana participated in a Mining Roundtable hosted by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London, highlighting Kazakhstan’s strategic mineral resources. Concurrently, the British-Kazakh Society co-hosted a panel event in the capital as part of ‘Kazakhstan Week’, signalling growing commercial ties. These engagements follow President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at COP29 in Baku in late 2024, which laid the groundwork for the current dialogue.
Economic Outlook and Key Trade Figures
Kazakhstan’s economy is forecast for robust growth, with projections of 5.9% expansion in 2025 and 5.5% in 2026—the strongest in over a decade. Recent trade data underscores this positive trajectory, though with some sectoral shifts.
| Sector / Partner | Recent Performance (Jan-Nov 2025) |
|---|---|
| Trade with Poland | Turnover increased by 6% year-on-year. |
| Trade with Germany | Turnover reached $3.9bn; Kazakh exports up 7.9%. |
| Wheat Exports (Nov 2025) | Surged to 1.778 million tons, more than double the previous month. |
| Mazut Exports to Netherlands | Fell by 30% to 759,593 tons. |
Energy Sector Focus: Tengiz Recovery
All eyes remain on the gradual restoration of production at the massive Tengiz oil field, which suffered a significant outage. Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov stated on 28 January that full production could be reached within a week. The disruption, caused in part by Ukrainian drone attacks and stormy weather affecting the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal, had led to a loss of 900,000 tonnes of output. International analysts note that this export shortfall has helped ease a global oil supply glut.
Domestic and Diplomatic Developments
President Tokayev continues to advocate for large-scale reforms, recently emphasising the role of the new legislative body in supporting these changes. On the foreign policy front, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar made an official visit to Astana on 27 January—the first by an Israeli foreign minister to Kazakhstan in 16 years—focusing on deepened cooperation. Furthermore, the presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are scheduled for separate official visits to Pakistan next week, highlighting Central Asia’s growing diplomatic engagement.
However, domestic controversy has emerged with the passage of new anti-LGBT legislation. A public opinion survey suggests the move is viewed by some as bolstering Russian propaganda narratives and expanding government censorship. In a separate legal matter, a trial is underway against 19 activists who protested against China’s camp system in Xinjiang.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of the Tengiz oil field?
Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry reports a gradual restoration of output is underway, with full production expected within a week following a major outage.
How are UK-Kazakh relations progressing?
Relations are deepening through focused sectoral dialogues, notably in mining, following high-level political engagement between leaders in late 2024.
What is the new legislation causing controversy in Kazakhstan?
The government has passed new anti-LGBT laws, which critics argue expand censorship and align with Russian propaganda interests, according to recent surveys.