Kazakhstan and the United States signed 29 agreements worth nearly USD 17 billion
Following the visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the United States, Kazakhstan and the U.S. signed 29 bilateral documents totaling approximately USD 17 billion. The agreements cover a wide range of sectors including industry, energy, education, digitalization, and innovation, marking an important milestone in strengthening the strategic partnership and expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.
Air Astana and Boeing signed a Letter of Intent to renew and expand the airline’s long-haul fleet with 18 new aircraft. Under the agreement, Air Astana JSC will purchase Boeing 787-9 wide-body aircraft. The implementation of the agreement will increase passenger capacity and enable direct flights from Kazakhstan to destinations in Europe, the U.S., Asia, and the Middle East. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2026.
A Cooperation Agreement was also signed between Tau-Ken Samruk National Mining Company JSC and Cove Capital, aimed at jointly developing the North Katpar and Verkhne Kairakty tungsten deposits in the Karaganda region. The investment volume will total about USD 1.1 billion. The project provides for the establishment of processing facilities and the production of high-value-added tungsten products. Notably, the North Katpar and Verkhne Kairakty deposits are among the largest in the world, with JORC-certified tungsten reserves estimated at 410 thousand tons.
Samruk-Kazyna JSC and Ashmore Investment Advisors Corporation plan to establish Kazakhstan’s first Western-branded multidisciplinary medical clinic, which will serve as a healthcare hub for Central Asia. The project will be implemented through Ashmore Healthcare International Ltd with the participation of a global clinical partner, involving total investments of around USD 150 million. The new clinic will introduce advanced medical technologies and international healthcare standards, further consolidating Kazakhstan’s role as a regional center for modern medicine.
A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a Strategic Agreement between the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Baiterek National Management Holding JSC, AgromashHolding KZ JSC, Eurasia Group AG, and John Deere, to develop industrial cooperation worth USD 2.5 billion. The agreement provides for the production of at least 3,000 John Deere agricultural machines at AgromashHolding KZ facilities in Kostanay and Turkistan, the construction of three service centers, the development of a training and certification system, and the establishment of Kazakhstan as John Deere’s regional hub for spare parts supply to CIS countries.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between 1Thirty Holding (AsiaColor) and the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) on the implementation of a project to build a vertically integrated chemical complex in the United States, with total investments of approximately USD 130 million. The project provides for the construction of a modern plant for the production of powder coatings and polyester resins and represents Kazakhstan’s first industrial investment project in the U.S., strengthening the position of Kazakh business in the global market.
Another MoU was concluded between Chemelex LLC and the International Center for the Development of Oil and Gas Machinery Engineering (IMBC) worth about USD 20 million. The document envisages the localization of self-regulating heating cable production in Kazakhstan and the establishment of a joint venture to replace imports and meet the demands of the oil, gas, and mining sectors.
In the field of digitalization and artificial intelligence, memorandums of cooperation were signed between the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and Oracle East Central Europe Limited, totaling over USD 1 billion. The partnership agreements are aimed at developing mutually beneficial cooperation, sharing expertise, and implementing joint projects in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.
An MoU was also signed between the Ministry of AI and Digital Development and Beeline Kazakhstan to introduce Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology, which will enable subscribers in remote areas to stay connected without additional devices — an important step toward enhancing Kazakhstan’s digital infrastructure and nationwide connectivity.
In aviation, the Ministry of AI and Digital Development signed an MoU with the U.S. company BETA Technologies, focused on the development of electric aviation and smart transport systems. The document provides for knowledge exchange, pilot projects, and the promotion of innovative solutions in electric aircraft and advanced mobility technologies, opening new opportunities for the introduction of eco-friendly and intelligent transport solutions in Kazakhstan.
Furthermore, an MoU was signed between the Ministry, Joby Aero Inc., and Alatau Advance Air Group Ltd., worth around USD 300 million. The project envisages the development of an air-taxi network in Kazakhstan and the supply of eVTOL aircraft, introducing innovative solutions for urban mobility.
In the financial and investment sector, the National Investment Corporation of the National Bank of Kazakhstan (NIC NBK) signed three agreements with leading global funds — Brookfield Asset Management, Cerberus Capital Management, and Ashmore Investment Advisors Corporation — totaling nearly USD 1 billion. The documents envisage the creation of investment programs focused on developing Kazakhstan’s infrastructure, private equity, and debt markets.
Additionally, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the National Bank of Kazakhstan and Visa Inc., aimed at advancing e-government infrastructure and expanding the use of digital payments. The document provides for the establishment of a competence center at National Payment Cards JSC to test innovative solutions, introduce biometric identification in the financial market, enhance cybersecurity, and support small and medium-sized enterprises.
Another block of signed documents focused on expanding Kazakhstan’s international cooperation in education and science. Agreements were concluded with Arizona State University, Colorado School of Mines, Coursera, OpenAI, Freedom Group Inc., and other partners, with a total value of around USD 50 million. These initiatives span a wide range of areas — from the creation of the new Ulytau Technical University in Zhezkazgan to the development of dual-degree programs, digitalization of education, and the introduction of innovative solutions based on ChatGPT Education.
Particular attention was given to modernizing Kazakhstan’s national education quality assessment system. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan and the U.S. organization Educational Testing Service (ETS) signed a Cooperation Roadmap, aimed at introducing modern assessment tools and educational analytics, enhancing objectivity and transparency in testing procedures, and developing the professional competencies of education measurement specialists. The joint project for the gradual modernization of the Unified National Test (UNT) will transition to a model that assesses not only academic knowledge but also core skills necessary for successful learning and careers. The use of artificial intelligence, adaptive testing, and intelligent analytics will ensure fair, reliable, and transparent evaluation.
An important step in advancing international academic cooperation was the signing of strategic partnership agreements between the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, Arizona State University (ASU), M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University, and Q Group. The agreements provide for the development of dual-degree programs, academic exchange of students and faculty, joint research projects, the introduction of innovative educational technologies, and the development of educational and research programs in engineering, digital, and applied sciences.
It should also be noted that the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the Colorado School of Mines (USA) signed an Implementation Protocol on the establishment of the Ulytau Technical University in Zhezkazgan. The project aims to train specialists for the mining and metallurgical industries, introduce international standards, and develop scientific laboratories and engineering centers. It will be implemented through a public-private partnership model and strengthens Kazakhstan-U.S. cooperation in technology and education.
The signings also included a project for the construction of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) plant, an agreement between the Ministry of AI and Digital Development, Kazakhtelecom JSC, and Perplexity AI to provide free access to Perplexity Pro for Kazakhstani citizens, as well as arrangements to establish new R&D centers in artificial intelligence and energy.
The documents signed during the visit reflect a high level of mutual trust between Kazakhstan and the United States and confirm the strategic focus of the partnership on developing investment, innovation, and technological cooperation.
