USAID began its partnership with the Government of Kazakhstan in 1992, soon after its independence from the Soviet Union. At that time, small businesses employed less than 3 percent of the total workforce, and no credible financial data was available for companies to make key business decisions. Right away, USAID contributed to the development of a private real estate and housing market. USAID’s assistance helped Kazakhstan develop and implement the laws, regulations and infrastructure necessary to establish capital markets. USAID supported the formation of an independent Securities and Exchange Commission, assisted in opening the country’s first private stock exchange, and promoted oversight of the nascent securities market.

Today, Kazakhstan is an upper middle-income country that has emerged as a regional leader in Central Asia, fostering cooperation between the five countries. USAID’s activities promote the diversification of Kazakhstan’s economy outside the oil and gas sector including in sectors such as information technology, horticulture and tourism. USAID seeks to modernize the energy sector through advancing market liberalization reforms; improving the investment climate for clean energy, and strengthening cross-border energy trade with other Central Asian countries.  Our programs also work to strengthen the professionalism and financial sustainability of independent media, cultivate robust civic engagement, and promote good governance and the rule of law. USAID also works to advance public health by improving access to testing and treatment for tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19.