Carbon Projects Create New Investment Opportunities for Kazakhstan
A two-day seminar, “Developing Kazakhstan’s Carbon Project Market within the Framework of the Paris Agreement,” is taking place in Astana. The event is organized by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan, bringing together representatives of government agencies, international organizations, financial institutions, the diplomatic corps and the business community.
Participants were presented with the new rules governing the implementation of carbon projects and mechanisms for participating in the international carbon market under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. These include the distinction between Article 6.2, which provides for the international transfer of mitigation outcomes (ITMOs), and Article 6.4, which establishes an international carbon crediting mechanism. The legal framework was strengthened by amendments to the Environmental Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan adopted on 8 July 2026.
“We view the mechanisms under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement as an additional instrument for attracting investment into climate projects, the outcomes of which may contribute to the achievement of national commitments,” said Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerlan Nysanbayev.
Ardak Zebeshev, Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, highlighted the potential of carbon projects to attract direct investment, modernize industry, create new jobs and contribute to the sustainable development of the regions.
He noted that landfill gas capture projects will be implemented in the Karasai District of Almaty Region and in the city of Shymkent jointly with Korean partners, with the support of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and “KAZAKH INVEST” NC” JSC. These projects are expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 200,000 tons per year.
“Under the Environmental Code, projects focused on forest planting, the restoration of forests and pastures, agriculture, biogas production, as well as the reduction of methane emissions in industry, are currently of considerable interest to investors. To make these areas attractive for investment, a comprehensive system of state support is in place in Kazakhstan,” Ardak Zebeshev noted.
Investors have access to tax and customs incentives, mechanisms for concluding long-term agreements with the Government, guarantees of legislative stability, support through auction mechanisms and other instruments. “KAZAKH INVEST” NC” JSC provides comprehensive support for investment projects on a one-stop-shop basis.
Domestic businesses are also actively joining these efforts. The Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs has provided institutional support to a forest-climate project by SAFC to plant more than three million trees in Almaty Region with the participation of British investors.
Kazakhstan is creating the necessary conditions for the development of its carbon market and the implementation of climate projects, providing investors with clear rules and a comprehensive set of state support measures.
