This was announced by Kostanay Region Akim Kumar Aksakalov at a regional government meeting dedicated to the socio-economic development results for the first nine months of 2026 and the tasks for the remainder of the year. In 2026, a decision was made to expand the industrial zone in Kostanay from 400 to 587 hectares.
The Head of State has set a target of ensuring annual economic growth of 6%. Our region has exceeded this target for two consecutive years. In 2024, economic growth exceeded 8%, reaching 9% in 2025. This year, our objective is to achieve growth of at least 6%. Last year, the economy grew by 9%.
The manufacturing industry is the main driver of the economy, accounting for 73% of the region’s industrial output. Its growth is directly linked to creating favourable conditions for launching new production facilities and expanding the capacity of existing enterprises.
“One of the key instruments in this regard is the industrial zone in the city of Kostanay. In 2026, a decision was made to expand its territory from 400 to 587 hectares. This will help attract new investment projects and support the further development of the manufacturing industry,” the regional governor noted.
Agriculture was also discussed in detail at the meeting, as it is the second key sector of the regional economy. This year, the sector recorded growth of 11.4%.
Over the past two years, substantial funding has been allocated to the development of the agro-industrial complex in line with the instructions of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In 2025, 207 billion tenge was allocated, while in 2026, this figure reached 326 billion tenge. This funding made it possible to purchase agricultural machinery and equipment, spare parts, fertilisers and seeds in a timely manner and ensure thorough preparations for the spring sowing campaign.
Currently, 16 projects to construct commercial dairy farms are being implemented across the region. Eight farms have already been commissioned, while construction is underway at five more. Construction of an additional three farms is scheduled to begin by the end of the year.
Of the 16 farms, five are located in Altynsarin District, three each in Mendykara and Fyodorov districts, two in Kostanay District, and one each in Karabalyk, Auliekol and Beimbet Mailin districts.
“This year, a Comprehensive Plan for the Development of Livestock Farming was approved. It provides for preferential lending under the Igilik, Bereke and Zhailau programmes to purchase imported breeding livestock and construct new farms, including facilities for the development of transhumance livestock farming. A total of 35 billion tenge has been allocated for these purposes in the region. Where borrowers lack sufficient collateral, the Damu Entrepreneurship Development Fund can provide guarantees covering up to 85% of the loan amount,” the regional governor said.
In addition, under the Zhailau programme, the requirement to undergo state expert review has been abolished, allowing applicants to obtain an independent expert review instead.
To date, the Tobol Social and Entrepreneurial Corporation has received eight applications from agricultural producers. However, this number remains insufficient. Ten agricultural enterprises have signed contracts to purchase 5,150 head of cattle for dairy and beef production. Representatives of these farms will travel to Australia to acquire 2,540 head of cattle. Meanwhile, representatives of Zhangeldin District have not yet participated in any of the programmes mentioned above.
The meeting participants also discussed housing development. According to the regional governor, construction is currently underway on 80 multi-apartment residential buildings. By the end of the year, the region plans to commission 520,000 square metres of housing.
“Construction is currently underway on 21 social infrastructure facilities. The largest projects include a tennis centre, a multifunctional stadium and a sports and recreation complex for persons with disabilities in Kostanay, a sports palace in the Astana microdistrict, as well as a sports and recreation complex and an indoor ice hockey rink in Arkalyk.
Over the past three years, 1,700 social housing apartments have been provided in the region. A further 1,336 apartments are planned for allocation this year. Last year, 540 apartments were provided,” Kumar Aksakalov said.
The regional governor emphasised that the region’s priority is to ensure sustainable, high-quality economic growth. Achieving all planned targets will require coordinated efforts, the full commitment of heads of regional departments and city and district akims, as well as personal accountability for results.
