Over the 34 years of independence, Kazakhstan has undergone a large-scale transformation - from a country with a resource-based economy and limited opportunities into the leading state in Central Asia, playing a key role in regional and global processes. This leadership is reflected in the volume of attracted investment, the pace of modernization, the development of infrastructure, digital technologies, logistics, and international partnerships, El.kz reports.

Every year on December 16, Kazakhstan celebrates a national public holiday - Independence Day, which is regarded as a symbol of the country’s sovereignty.

It was on December 16, 1991, that the Supreme Council adopted the Law on the Independence and State Sovereignty of the Republic of Kazakhstan. That date became a national holiday and a symbol of a new stage in the country’s history.

However, the movement toward independence began earlier. On October 25, 1990, the Declaration on the State Sovereignty of the Kazakh SSR was adopted, for the first time defining the foundations of future independence and outlining the principles of political and economic self-determination. The Declaration became the starting point, while the adoption of the independence law in December 1991 completed the formation of Kazakhstan’s state sovereignty.

This year, Kazakhstan marks the 34th anniversary of its independence.

“Independence opened new horizons for our country. It was precisely after the declaration of Independence that the process of international diplomatic recognition of Kazakhstan began, transforming it into a full-fledged subject of international law,” President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

Over more than three decades of independence, Kazakhstan has progressed from a young republic to a state playing a visible role on the global stage. During this period, the country became a member of key international organizations - from the UN and OSCE to the SCO and the EAEU - strengthening its status as a responsible partner in global politics.

One of the most important decisions was nuclear disarmament, after which, at Kazakhstan’s initiative, August 29 was declared the International Day against Nuclear Tests. The EXPO 2017 international exhibition held in Astana became a landmark event - the first of its kind in the CIS. A major step in modernizing the financial system was the establishment of the Astana International Financial Centre, aimed at attracting capital and developing modern financial institutions.

Economic policy has enabled the country to attract over $300 bln in foreign direct investment, laying the foundation for large-scale modernization of infrastructure and industry. The introduction of the national currency in 1993 strengthened financial sovereignty. At the same time, high-tech industries began to develop.

Kazakhstan has paid special attention to strengthening interethnic harmony. The Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan became a central institution ensuring dialogue and cultural interaction. The construction of the new capital, Astana, turned it into a symbol of modern development and a platform uniting cultural and political processes. Sports also received strong state support, enhancing the country’s international standing.

Scientific and space sectors have shown steady growth. Kazakh cosmonauts Toktar Aubakirov and Talgat Musabayev boosted the country’s image in the space industry. Scientists have contributed to the development of agricultural technologies, medicine and engineering solutions.

Kazakhstan also preserves and strengthens its connection with historical heritage. The country is considered the birthplace of the Sievers apple tree and many species of tulips, while the revival of the Great Silk Road has reinforced Kazakhstan’s role as a key transit hub of Eurasia.

Kazakhstan as region’s investment center

One of the main indicators of regional leadership has been Kazakhstan’s high investment attractiveness. According to the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 60 percent of all investments flowing into Central Asia are directed to Kazakhstan. This directly reflects international business confidence and confirms the effectiveness of the country’s economic policy.

Kazakhstan’s economy accounts for more than half of the region’s GDP, while 75 percent of U.S. trade with Central Asian countries falls on Kazakhstan. Such a concentration of capital and economic activity creates a foundation for new industries, digital initiatives and joint infrastructure projects.

Kazakhstan as emerging Eurasian transport hub

The country is strengthening its position as a major transit hub of Eurasia. The focus on infrastructure modernization and the development of international transport corridors is opening new opportunities for foreign partners. Particular attention is being paid to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, whose cargo turnover has doubled over the past two years.

During talks with President of the European Council António Costa, Tokayev confirmed that Kazakhstan is ready to expand logistical connections, participate in EU projects under the Global Gateway initiative, and develop Caspian ports, digital cargo tracking systems and multimodal hubs.

The President emphasized that the country intends to become a key Eurasian transport hub, ensuring stable and predictable supply chains for European and Asian partners.

Innovation, digitalization and leadership in AI

The year 2025 became a breakthrough year for Kazakhstan in digitalization. The establishment of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, the launch of a supercomputer with a capacity of up to two exaflops, and its inclusion in the Top-500 ranking all form a new technological architecture for the country.

The opening of the international artificial intelligence center Alem.AI united public services, research laboratories and startups into a single ecosystem.

The Astana Hub ecosystem is also demonstrating dynamic growth, with over 1,700 IT companies operating there, nearly one-third of which are foreign. A new generation of specialists is emerging in the region, ready to create high-tech products with global potential.

Kazakhstan as engine of regional modernization

Economic growth, an improved investment climate, large-scale digitalization and the development of international partnerships have strengthened Kazakhstan’s role as a regional leader. The country is demonstrating steady growth rates, actively implementing technological innovations and forming new sectors of the economy.

Against the backdrop of the transformation of global supply chains and the transition to green energy, Kazakhstan is becoming one of the key growth points of Eurasia. Leading positions in logistics, energy, IT and investment attraction provide the country with a strategic role in Central Asia and a strong potential for further development.

Kazakhstan’s Contribution to International Dialogue

A special place in Kazakhstan’s foreign policy is occupied by the promotion of interfaith and intercivilizational dialogue. Since 2003, Astana has hosted the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions - a unique platform with no direct analogues. Spiritual leaders, experts and state representatives discuss global challenges, extremism and issues of tolerance. This has strengthened Kazakhstan’s position as a mediator between East and West, the Islamic world and Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Kazakhstan also plays an important role in regional processes. The country is a key participant in integration initiatives in Central Asia and promotes energy and water security, the development of cross-border corridors and joint economic projects. Kazakhstan initiated the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which unites dozens of countries and works to strengthen security across the continent. This engagement contributes to the formation of a new model of trust in a region with a complex historical background and sensitive geopolitics.

Economic diplomacy has become another sphere in which Kazakhstan has strengthened its global standing. The country participates in the development of international transport routes within the Belt and Road Initiative, expands energy cooperation with the EU, Asian states and the Middle East, ensures stable resource supplies, strengthens global food security and modernizes transit infrastructure - becoming an important hub in global logistics and the world economy.

Kazakhstan also makes a significant contribution to the global sustainable development agenda. The country supports green energy initiatives, promotes climate programs, develops renewable energy sources, supports international climate agreements and seeks to reduce its carbon footprint.

Thirty-four years of independence have transformed Kazakhstan into a state with a strong economy, developed infrastructure and a high level of international trust. The country continues to strengthen its positions in energy, logistics, digital technologies and the development of critical minerals.

Kazakhstan has proven its ability not only to adapt to global trends, but also to shape them, acting as a regional leader and a strategic partner of world powers. The country is confidently moving toward building an intellectual economy and consolidating its status as a center of attraction for capital, technology and innovation in Central Asia.