In a broad reshuffle of Kazakhstan’s executive leadership, the president reorganized several key ministries and redistributed several cabinet roles. The changes reflect a strategic move to streamline governance and align ministerial portfolios with evolving national priorities. One notable shift was the creation of a new Ministry of Transport, into which Marat Karabaev, previously the Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development, was moved to head. This reallocation signals an emphasis on developing the country’s transport infrastructure, logistics networks, and connectivity with neighboring markets. At the same time, Arman Shakkaliev was appointed as Minister of Trade, a role that seeks to bolster commercial policy, trade facilitation, and Kazakhstan’s position within regional and global markets. The reshuffle also saw Ermek Marzhikpaev take charge of the newly realigned Ministry of Tourism, underscoring a renewed focus on attracting visitors, promoting domestic experiences, and supporting related sectors such as hospitality and travel services. Aida Balaeva was named Minister of Culture and Information, a portfolio that aims to preserve heritage while expanding Kazakhstan’s cultural industries and public communications outreach.
On September 1, the president signed a decree reorganizing the presidential administration’s administrative structure. The reform eliminates the positions of vice presidents within the administration, consolidating leadership under the head of the presidential administration, the Secretary of the Security Council, and a series of department heads and advisers. This consolidation is intended to streamline decision-making, reduce redundancy, and enhance the ability to coordinate policy across a wide array of domestic and international concerns. The updated structure centers on clear reporting lines and a more cohesive executive team, while maintaining essential advisory bodies and support offices that guide strategic actions at the highest level of state authority.
Earlier statements indicated that the president had urged government bodies to address issues at border checkpoints with Kyrgyzstan, reflecting ongoing efforts to balance security, trade efficiency, and regional stability. Reports from late August indicate a tightening of controls and screening measures at these border points, part of a broader approach to regulate the movement of goods within the Eurasian Economic Union. The aim appears to be ensuring compliance with shared standards, safeguarding economic interests, and reducing illicit cross-border activity, while keeping legitimate flows of people and commerce moving as smoothly as possible under the framework of regional integration.
These developments come as Kazakhstan signals its intent to contribute more actively to regional economic initiatives, including BRICS, where the government has outlined a desire to participate in development efforts and strengthen its role in conversations about global growth. The cabinet changes and administrative reforms are framed as steps to modernize governance, improve public services, and position the nation for greater influence in regional and international economic dynamics. In this context, ministers are expected to focus on implementing policy priorities, coordinating cross-ministerial programs, and delivering tangible results for citizens and businesses alike, while maintaining robust oversight and accountability mechanisms to ensure that reforms translate into measurable benefits.