Latest news in Kazakhstan? September 6th, 2026

Agricultural Trade and Import Restrictions Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture drafted a six-month ban on wheat imports across road, rail, and water routes. The measure follows a nearly sixfold surge in grain imports from Russia over the past season, aimed at protecting domestic grain producers from market saturation and price drops during the local harvest. UkrAgroConsult+ 1Political and Governance Developments Kazakhstan has completed the formation of its government under the newly established unicameral parliament, the Qurultay. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov remains in his post following parliamentary approval, alongside key cabinet appointments including the reappointment of Mukhtar Tileuberdi as Foreign Minister. Additionally, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev recently appointed longtime adviser Erlan Karin to the newly created office of Vice President. Qazinform+ 2Energy and Nuclear Infrastructure Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants and Russia’s Rosatom formalized an engineering, procurement, and construction contract for the planned Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant near Ulken in the Almaty Region. The project covers two power units with a combined capacity of 2,400 megawatts. Caspian NewsMonetary Policy and Economy The National Bank of Kazakhstan reduced its base interest rate by 50 basis points to 16.25% following a disinflationary trend, with annual inflation easing down to 9.8% in August. Rating agency S&P also updated its assessment of Kazakhstan’s banking sector to reflect improving structural stability. Interfax+ 1Border and Migration Policy New entry regulations have been established for Russian citizens entering Kazakhstan, requiring an advance paid electronic entry authorization (QazETA) scheduled to take effect later this autumn to streamline border processing and enhance digital tracking. unn.ua