Kazakhstan Advances Trade Infrastructure Modernization to Support SMEs and Regional Development

Astana, The Gulf Observer: Systematic efforts are underway in Kazakhstan to create favorable conditions for modernizing trade infrastructure and enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Kazinform News Agency reported, citing the Ministry of Trade and Integration.

Since the beginning of 2025, a total of 418 projects worth 57.5 billion tenge in loans have been signed under the state subsidy program, with 2.8 billion tenge already disbursed. Under the guarantee program, 103 guarantees were issued for loans totaling 8 billion tenge, backed by 3.6 billion tenge in state guarantees.

Particular attention is being given to strengthening trade infrastructure in the regions. In East Kazakhstan, 21 projects in the domestic trade sector valued at approximately 7 billion tenge are currently being implemented with state support.

As part of the Roadmap for market modernization, three major trading markets in Oskemen—Zarya, Zarechny, and Central—are undergoing extensive renovation, scheduled for completion in 2025. The Zarya and Zarechny markets have received direct support from the Ministry of Trade and Integration.

During a recent working visit to the region, Deputy Chairman of the Trade Committee Yernur Zhautikbayev inspected several facilities and praised the pace of modernization.

The Zarya market, operating since 2002, specializes in food products. In 2024, two new single-story pavilions with central utilities were constructed, and further expansion is ongoing with additional pavilions and parking areas to be completed this year.

The Zarechny market, in operation since 1999, is also undergoing large-scale modernization. The facility includes five covered buildings and multiple trading rows. A new permanent retail complex is under construction and set for completion in September 2025.

The Central market, established in 2000, comprises two main buildings and several pavilions for food and non-food products. Renovation works are ongoing in line with the modernization Roadmap.

“Completing the full modernization of trading markets by the end of this year is one of the Government’s top priorities. This is not only a matter of economic development but also of law and order. Starting next year, markets that fail to modernize will no longer be allowed to operate,” Zhautikbayev emphasized.

The Ministry of Trade and Integration has set a target to increase the share of modern trade formats to 70 percent by 2029, compared to 41 percent today. Markets will also be required to comply with modern standards, including fire safety, sanitary and epidemiological rules, transparent tax collection through card payments, and the provision of convenient parking facilities.