Day: July 4, 2026
Developing processing industries would strengthen Kazakhstan’s strategic autonomy, create greater added value and help the country move higher up the global value chain, she said, News.az reports.
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“Kazakhstan has a lot of potential in terms of critical raw materials. It’s very important not only to extract the critical raw material but also to be able to process them. That’s why this investment is so important in terms of strategic autonomy, added value, and moving up in the value chain.“
Renaud-Basso said attracting more investment into mineral processing would require continued improvements in transparency, particularly broader access to geological data and a stable, predictable regulatory framework for investors.
“Transparency of data is very important for potential investors, but also having a very clear, transparent legal framework. Good progress has been made, but there is always room for improvement.“
She stressed that growing global demand for critical minerals—driven by artificial intelligence, digitalisation and the green transition—is creating new investment opportunities for Kazakhstan.
She also expressed hope that the latest refractory ore processing investment would be followed by additional industrial processing projects.
“We hope there will be more of this kind of project. This one is particularly important because it focuses on processing and involves a long-term local partner.“
Commenting on EBRD investment levels, Renaud-Basso said the decline recorded last year did not reflect weakening confidence in Kazakhstan’s investment climate but was instead due to the timing of major projects.
“Already this year we have invested more than $1 billion in the country, and we probably will end up with around €1.3 billion by the end of the year.“
She said the EBRD remains optimistic about Kazakhstan’s economic outlook and continues to see strong investment opportunities across renewable energy, transport infrastructure, the Middle Corridor, water projects, banking and support for small businesses.
Renaud-Basso also highlighted the launch of Kazakhstan’s digital investment platform as one of the most important recent improvements to the country’s investment climate.
“The implementation of the digital investment platform is a very positive development because it makes life much easier for investors.“
She added that artificial intelligence could play a transformative role in improving Kazakhstan’s investment environment by streamlining administrative procedures and accelerating customs processes.
“AI is a very powerful tool to digitalise and accelerate processes. Using AI in customs procedures would simplify and speed up trade, which is essential for developing connectivity through the Middle Corridor.“
Renaud-Basso said Kazakhstan is well positioned to benefit from AI-driven reforms thanks to its progress in e-government and digitalisation.
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According to Jones, CSIS estimates that since the war began in February, Russia has sustained around 450,000 deaths and approximately 1.4 million total casualties, News.az reports.
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“To put that into perspective, the United States has lost about 100,000 service members across all its wars from the end of World War II to the present. Russia has lost more than four times that number in just four and a half years,” he said.
Jones noted that despite these extraordinary fatality and casualty rates among Russian forces, Vladimir Putin continues to fight and accept such losses.
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Speaking during a broadcast, Gordon said he is confident that no elections will be held until the conflict is over, News.az reports.
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“There will be no elections in Ukraine. People are saying elections will be held this autumn. They will not. I say this responsibly.”
Gordon stressed that Ukraine remains a democratic country in which anyone is free to run for president once elections are held.
“Anyone can stand up and say, ‘I want to be president,’ and run in the election. We are a democratic country.”
He added, however, that discussing future candidates is premature while the war is ongoing.
“As long as the war has not ended, I personally am not even thinking about who will run for president, let alone who will become president. My thoughts, and the thoughts of millions of Ukrainians, are focused on one thing: ending the war with a lasting and just peace. After that, there will be elections and everything else.”
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He said Poland is preparing very intensively for various scenarios, News.az reports.
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“I have no intention of scaring anyone, but the coming months, not least because of the somewhat changing nature of the war in Ukraine, could prove truly critical.”
Tusk said concerns are especially strong in the Baltic states but stressed there is no reason for panic, only continued vigilance.
“These concerns are particularly palpable in the Baltic states. Let us not be afraid. We are preparing for various situations, but we must not underestimate the threat, so we remain vigilant.”
He added that Poland’s assessment is supported by intelligence shared by its allies.
“We are aware of the threat, also thanks to information from our allies.”
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