The "Korkyt Ata" Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will span 550 hectares adjacent to the "Western Europe–Western China" international transport corridor. This prime location offers substantial logistical advantages for companies, streamlining exports to neighboring countries and distant markets. Its proximity to China also makes the zone highly appealing for Chinese firms.
Business Incentives and Investment Outlook
"Korkyt Ata" SEZ residents will benefit from a preferential legal framework, including tax and customs exemptions. The government aims to attract over 150 billion tenge in investments by 2049, with approximately 80 billion tenge coming from foreign sources. The zone is projected to generate 500 billion tenge in goods and services, with up to 90% of the added value produced locally. Additionally, plans include creating over 3,300 new jobs within 25 years and increasing the number of resident companies to 39.
Infrastructure and Technological Priorities
The "Korkyt Ata" SEZ will serve as a hub for developing high-performance, competitive industries, delivering modern services, and integrating advanced technologies across key economic sectors. The government prioritizes areas such as agro-processing, engineering, logistics, and digital solutions.
Holistic Approach: Multimodal Hubs and Other SEZs
The establishment of "Korkyt Ata" aligns with a broader strategy to develop economic hubs nationwide. Recently, several other sites, including "Ontustik," "Astana-Technopolis," "Saryarka," "Alatau," and "Aktobe," were officially designated as port SEZs. Special emphasis is placed on creating a multimodal logistics hub in Aktobe, with plans to attract over 1.2 trillion tenge in investments. These efforts aim to build resilient export routes and enhance regional transport and infrastructure connectivity.
Kazakhstan’s Economy: A Path to Diversification and Sustainable Growth
Kazakhstan remains Central Asia’s largest economy. While historically reliant on raw materials, the country is steadily diversifying. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Kazakhstan has achieved consistent per capita GDP growth over recent decades, improving living standards, reducing poverty, and boosting market activity. In this context, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with economists and industry experts to discuss high-potential investment areas. The focus is on transitioning to a new economy driven by innovation, industrial modernization, and human capital development. The creation of the "Korkyt Ata" SEZ is more than an infrastructure project; it is a cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s broader economic modernization strategy, poised to attract investments, elevate technological capabilities, and generate new jobs in the region.