Healthcare Committee Met with the Ministry of Healthcare to Discuss VAT on Medicines | February 19
23 Feb 2026, 16:36
AmCham News
Investment Climate Council Meeting Highlights Strong U.S.–Kazakhstan Economic Partnership
On February 20, Olzhas Bektenov chaired a meeting of the Council on Improving the Investment Climate, bringing together senior government officials, representatives of the diplomatic corps, including Julie M. Stufft, and leaders of major international and U.S. companies operating in Kazakhstan.
The meeting was marked by an open and constructive dialogue between the Government and the business community. Discussions were practical and forward-looking, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening Kazakhstan’s investment climate. The overall tone of the meeting was extremely positive and served as clear proof of the continued strengthening of U.S.–Kazakhstan economic relations.
As a key representative of the international business community, the American Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan played an active role in shaping the agenda. Drawing on consolidated input from its member companies and committees, AmCham brought forward priority issues related to tax reform, regulatory predictability, infrastructure development, digitalization, localization, and workforce development.
Particular attention was given to maintaining a transparent and predictable regulatory framework in the context of ongoing tax reform. Representatives of investor companies welcomed improvements in VAT administration and administrative procedures, noting the importance of balanced reforms that enhance transparency while supporting business growth.
The discussion also highlighted concrete examples of bilateral cooperation. Financing secured under U.S. EXIM guarantees will support modernization of railway, aviation, and air navigation infrastructure without additional burden on the state budget. Companies operating in Kazakhstan shared updates on expanding production capacity, localizing advanced equipment manufacturing, introducing digital technologies, and deepening partnerships in agriculture, rail transport, and artificial intelligence.
The meeting took place in the broader context of agreements reached within the C5+1 framework between Central Asian countries and the United States. Ambassador Stufft noted that commercial cooperation between the two countries reached record levels in 2025, underscoring the depth of the strategic economic partnership.
Prime Minister Bektenov reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to attracting long-term capital, advanced technologies, and global best practices. Relevant government agencies were instructed to continue working closely with the American Chamber of Commerce to ensure that the initiatives and recommendations voiced by the business community are reflected in ongoing policy development.
The Council once again demonstrated that structured public–private dialogue remains one of the strongest pillars of Kazakhstan’s investment climate. Through its role as a trusted platform for engagement, AmCham continues to facilitate meaningful cooperation between the Government of Kazakhstan and international investors, contributing to sustainable economic growth and a stronger U.S.–Kazakhstan partnership.
