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13 Jul 2026, 15:01
AmCham News
AmCham Raises Digitalization Reform Priorities at the Prime Minister’s Council to Improve the Investment Climate
The latest meeting of the Prime Minister’s Council to Improve the Investment Climate chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov focused on digitalization reforms and their role in supporting Kazakhstan’s investment climate. Members of the AmCham Digitalization Committee presented practical recommendations on data localization, cloud technologies, AI readiness, online platforms, and mass media regulation.
The meeting was opened by Prime Minister Bektenov, who stressed the strengthening U.S.-Kazakhstan business relationship and the country’s ambitious plans for digital and AI development.
AmCham Kazakhstan Executive Director Jeff Erlich and U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Julie Stufft then gave an overview of how U.S. and AmCham member companies can support Kazakhstan’s digital development if the country gets its policy right.
Business recommendations were presented by Andrei Yorsh, Partner at Baker McKenzie; Adilkhan Kopabayev, Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs for Central Asia, Armenia and Mongolia at Apple; Artur Nigmatyanov, President for Central Asia countries at Honeywell; and Diyas Assanov, CEO of Siemens Kazakhstan and an AmCham board member.
AmCham’s key message was that Kazakhstan’s digital transformation can be strengthened through clear, predictable, and internationally aligned regulation. This is especially important as Kazakhstan advances its goals to become a regional digital hub, expand the use of AI, and attract new investment into digital infrastructure and services.
AmCham members stressed the need for allowing data to flow across borders.
“With hybrid cloud, we will gain a large advantage over other countries, not only in the region, but globally, and the world’s best companies will be eager to come; without it, our ambition will be much harder to achieve,” said Jeff Erlich.
The companies highlighted the need to clarify which categories of data must be stored in Kazakhstan, which data can be stored and processed abroad, and where hybrid cloud or parallel storage models are permissible. AmCham also recommended recognizing global cybersecurity standards and certifications, particularly for government, quasi-government, and critical digital infrastructure projects.
The discussion also covered proposed amendments related to online platforms and mass media. AmCham supports the goals of protecting minors and ensuring information security. At the same time, member companies emphasized that regulation should remain proportionate, technically feasible, and aligned with international best practices. Recommendations included clarifying legal presence requirements, recognizing platform-led safety tools for minor protection, distinguishing between different types of audiovisual and user-generated content services, and providing a clear transition period for implementation.
The Government’s position was also presented by Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Gizzat Baitursynov and First Vice Minister of Culture and Information Kanat Iskakov.
AmCham has joined the working group on online platforms, providing a structured channel for continued dialogue between the Government and the international business community on this important legislation.
AmCham Kazakhstan will continue working with the Government and member companies to support practical, transparent, and investment-friendly digital regulation in Kazakhstan.
