17.04.2026
Modernization of the SEZ
In February 2026, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev criticized the current
operations of special economic zones (SEZs) and instructed the government to approve a new development model
within three months. He set the goal: by mid-2026, the government must approve a new model focused on the
objectives of the new investment cycle. SEZs must be transformed into fully-fledged investment-attracting
platforms, applying new regulations, tools, and incentives. In this regard, on April 8-10, as part of the
traditional Atyrau Oil and Gas exhibition, the Pavlodar SEZ participated in a panel session,
"SEZ Modernization," with all leading SEZs in Kazakhstan and the SEZ Association. The SEZ made its proposals.