Developing domestic and e-commerce, supporting local producers, promoting Kazakhstani products, and keeping prices of essential food products in check. These were the key topics discussed at a meeting between Asset Nussupov, Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and residents and business representatives of the Karaganda Region.
Prior to the meeting, the Vice Minister visited several enterprises and retail facilities in Karaganda. These included Karagandy-Nan Corporation, the Karaganda branch of Magnum E-commerce Kazakhstan, and the vegetable storage facility of the Saryarka Social and Entrepreneurial Corporation (SEC), which is involved in maintaining the stabilization fund. During the working visit, the parties discussed food production, distribution and storage, as well as challenges faced by market participants.
Opening the meeting, Asset Nussupov presented the main performance indicators of the trade sector. By the end of 2025, domestic trade in Kazakhstan had grown by 12.5%. Growth reached 6.2% in the first nine months of 2026. E-commerce is also developing rapidly.
One of the Ministry's priorities remains increasing the share of Kazakhstani products in the domestic market. Currently, the minimum share of domestically produced goods in retail outlets must be 30%. At the same time, higher requirements apply to retail businesses receiving government support: at least 50% of products on their shelves must be Kazakhstani.
Amendments to the domestic trade regulations are aimed at expanding opportunities for local producers and facilitating access to retail markets for their products.
“We are interested in enabling as many domestic producers as possible to showcase their products in retail chains. To this end, we are improving domestic trade regulations and expanding government support measures. It is important that Kazakhstani products are accessible to consumers and occupy a достойное place on store shelves,” Asset Nussupov noted.
The AgroTrade electronic platform provides additional opportunities for marketing agricultural products. It helps producers find buyers, reduce the number of intermediaries and expand their sales markets.
The Vice Minister also highlighted the digitalization of trade. Since 1 January 2026, the use of the National Product Catalogue has been mandatory for all market participants. Currently, 33 million products are registered in the system. The Catalogue is designed to streamline trade operations, increase market transparency and simplify product accounting.
Another important priority is helping Kazakhstani companies enter international markets. During the first half of this year, nine trade and economic missions were held, involving more than 200 domestic companies. In addition, 125 enterprises from various sectors of the economy joined the Export Acceleration Programme, which helps businesses prepare for international supplies.
One of the most sensitive issues for the population – food prices – was also discussed. The list of socially significant food products has been expanded from 19 to 31 items. At the same time, the approach to price regulation is changing: instead of direct government intervention, the focus is shifting towards monitoring trade markups and providing targeted assistance to those in need.
“Following the instructions of the Head of State, we are moving away from direct state price regulation towards stronger oversight of compliance with the 15% trade markup limit on socially significant food products. We are also strengthening targeted support for socially vulnerable groups,” Asset Nussupov emphasized.
At the end of the meeting, entrepreneurs and residents of the region had the opportunity to address the Vice Minister with questions and raise issues of concern. Discussions covered practical challenges related to doing business, trade operations and promoting domestic products.
Asset Nussupov noted that all proposals received would be considered by the Ministry.