Kazakhstan Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in kazakhstan, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
Select Country Guide
Infrastructure
Last published date:

Kazakhstan is investing heavily in infrastructure as part of its domestic stimulus plan, the Nurly Zhol initiative, and subsequent national programs, with projects concentrated in transport, energy, and utilities. In 2025, the government announced large-scale investments to modernize and expand connectivity, positioning the country as a strategic logistics hub between China and Europe. A central focus is the Trans-Caspian Transport Route, which connects Kazakhstan to Europe via Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey, reducing reliance on Russian transit routes.

Infrastructure development is not limited to new construction; maintenance and modernization of existing assets are also priorities. By 2030, Kazakhstan plans to build or upgrade 13,000 km of roads, including new highways such as Zhezkazgan–Karaganda and Atyrau–Dossor, alongside 9,500 km of previously approved projects and 3,600 km of repair work. The government has earmarked over $4 billion for four major road projects, underscoring its commitment to transforming Kazakhstan into a central transport and logistics hub in Central Asia.

International financial institutions play a critical role in financing. The EBRD, ADB, AIIB, and IDB are major contributors, supporting projects that enhance connectivity and promote sustainability. Notable examples include the BAKAD ring road in Almaty ($585 million financing package coordinated by the EBRD) and the CAREC Corridors 1 and 6 Connector Road ($167 million loan from the ADB), both designed to strengthen Kazakhstan’s integration into regional and global trade routes.

Leading Sub-sectors

Road Development: Kazakhstan’s road sector is undergoing rapid expansion, with sovereign investments aimed at improving connectivity nationwide. In 2024 alone, over 11,000 km of roads were repaired, and in 2025, plans included 2,200 km of new roads, 6,600 km of major repairs, and 4,200 km of local road improvements. Key projects include the Aktobe–Ulgaisyn, Karaganda–Zhezkazgan, and Atyrau–Dossor highways, along with bypasses and upgrades to routes such as Zhezkazgan–Petropavlovsk.

Railway Development: Kazakhstan is strengthening its role as a Central Asian rail hub through upgrades and new construction. Projects include completing second tracks on the Dostyk–Moyynty line, the Almaty Bypass, and new lines such as Darbaza–Maktaaral and Kyzylzhar–Moyinty. Digital transformation is underway, with modern train control systems and domestic railway engineering initiatives to support fleet renewal and enhance efficiency.
Port Development: Kazakhstan’s Caspian ports—Aktau, Kuryk, and Bautino—are vital to the Trans-Caspian Trade Route. The Aktau International Commercial Sea Port is undergoing modernization with EBRD support, doubling container-handling capacity by 2026. The Khorgos Gateway Dry Port continues to expand transit rail freight for Chinese goods, while Kuryk and Bautino strengthen Kazakhstan’s maritime logistics.

Airport Development: Kazakhstan is expanding air infrastructure with new regional airports in Zaisan, Katon-Karagay, and Kendirli to boost tourism. Major modernization projects are underway at Astana International Airport ($1.1 billion expansion), Almaty International Airport (managed by TAV Airports, with $362 million in new investments through 2029), and Pavlodar Airport. Cargo terminal development at Astana and Almaty airports is a priority, positioning Almaty as the busiest cargo hub in Central Asia. Shymkent airport opened a new terminal in December 2024 and plans to build a new runway over the next three years.

Energy and Utilities: Infrastructure investment also extends to energy modernization, water networks, and digital infrastructure. Projects include national energy upgrades, construction of maneuverable gas-fired stations, and expansion of renewable energy capacity under the 2035 Action Plan, though Kazakhstan continues to build coal plants as part of grid expansion. Digital cities such as Alatau City are being developed to integrate smart technologies and enhance Kazakhstan’s competitiveness.

Opportunities

Kazakhstan’s ambitious infrastructure program creates a wide spectrum of opportunities for U.S. firms across transport, energy, and utilities. The government’s focus on connectivity, modernization, and sustainability means demand is rising not only for construction equipment and engineering expertise, but also for advanced technologies that improve efficiency, safety, and environmental performance.
 

  • Transport Infrastructure: U.S. companies can play a major role in road and rail development. With over 13,000 km of roads planned by 2030, there is strong demand for heavy earth-moving machinery, precision navigation systems, and advanced road construction and refurbishment/repair technologies. Rail projects such as the Dostyk–Moyynty line and Almaty Bypass require modern signaling systems, train control technologies, and rolling stock engineering solutions. Port modernization at Aktau and Kuryk offers opportunities in container-handling equipment, logistics software, and intermodal transport systems.
  • Energy and Utilities: Kazakhstan is modernizing its energy networks and expanding renewable capacity under the 2035 Action Plan. U.S. firms can supply turbines, boilers, and smart grid technologies for thermal and gas-fired plants, as well as solutions for integrating wind, solar, and hybrid projects. Opportunities also exist in water management systems, energy efficiency technologies, and digital platforms for monitoring and automation.
  • Aviation and Airports: Airport modernization projects in Astana, Almaty, and Pavlodar, along with new regional airports, create demand for design, architectural, and project management services. Cargo terminal expansion offers opportunities for advanced logistics systems, security technologies, and automation equipment.
  • Cross-Cutting Technologies: Beyond sector-specific projects, Kazakhstan’s infrastructure push requires digitalization, safety, and sustainability solutions. U.S. firms can provide process automation technologies, environmental monitoring systems, and advanced materials for construction. Training programs and workforce development initiatives are also in high demand, as Kazakhstan seeks to build local capacity.
  • International Partnerships: Many projects are financed by institutions such as the EBRD, ADB, and AIIB, which prioritize transparency and international standards. U.S. companies can benefit from participating in MDB-financed tenders, where their expertise in sustainable infrastructure and green technologies is highly valued.

Resources

Key Stakeholders

Trade Events

  • KazBuild 2026
  • Astana Build 2026
     

For more information on the infrastructure sector, contact Commercial Assistant Alem Abubakirova.

×

Global Business Navigator Chatbot Beta

Welcome to the Global Business Navigator, an artificial intelligence (AI) Chatbot from the International Trade Administration (ITA). This tool, currently in beta version testing, is designed to provide general information on the exporting process and the resources available to assist new and experienced U.S. exporters. The Chatbot, developed using Microsoft’s Azure AI services, is trained on ITA’s export-related content and aims to quickly get users the information they need. The Chatbot is intended to make the benefits of exporting more accessible by understanding non-expert language, idiomatic expressions, and foreign languages.

Limitations

As a beta product, the Chatbot is currently being tested and its responses may occasionally produce inaccurate or incomplete information. The Chatbot is trained to decline out of scope or inappropriate requests. The Chatbot’s knowledge is limited to the public information on the Export Solutions web pages of Trade.gov, which covers a wide range of topics on exporting. While it cannot provide responses specific to a company’s product or a specific foreign market, its reference pages will guide you to other relevant government resources and market research. Always double-check the Chatbot’s responses using the provided references or by visiting the Export Solutions web pages on Trade.gov. Do not use its responses as legal or professional advice. Inaccurate advice from the Chatbot would not be a defense to violating any export rules or regulations.

Privacy

The Chatbot does not collect information about users and does not use the contents of users’ chat history to learn new information. All feedback is anonymous. Please do not enter personally identifiable information (PII), sensitive, or proprietary information into the Chatbot. Your conversations will not be connected to other interactions or accounts with ITA. Conversations with the Chatbot may be reviewed to help ITA improve the tool and address harmful, illegal, or otherwise inappropriate questions.

Translation

The Chatbot supports a wide range of languages. Because the Chatbot is trained in English and responses are translated, you should verify the translation. For example, the Chatbot may have difficulty with acronyms, abbreviations, and nuances in a language other than English.

Privacy Program | Information Quality Guidelines | Accessibility