In 2025, Kazakhstan plans to modernize trading facilities across 19 regions, as reported by the press service of the Trade Committee.
Markets are expected to be equipped with online payment systems, meet sanitary and fire safety standards, and provide parking spaces within their premises for consumer convenience. The modernization of markets in the regions is funded through private investments. For instance, last year, the renovation of the "Alash" market in Shymkent was completed.
“In 2023, work was carried out at the 'Alash' market to dismantle the old structure and lay the foundation for the new facility. The complete renovation was finished last year, and the market was officially opened in December. Now, there is a modern two-story trading facility consisting of three pavilions,” said Nurasyl Tuleev, the head of the Department of Trade and Consumer Protection in Shymkent.
According to the Roadmap, seven markets will be modernized in Astana, 10 in Almaty, four in Shymkent, three each in Zhambyl, East Kazakhstan, Kostanay, and Abai regions, 10 in Almaty region, four in Atyrau and Kyzylorda regions, one in Akmolinsk, two in Aktobe and Ulytau regions, and six in Zhetysu and Pavlodar regions. The modernization will also include five trading markets in Mangistau and Karaganda regions, and eight markets in Turkestan region. The largest modernization project is taking place in West Kazakhstan, where 14 markets are set to be upgraded.
It is worth noting that the modernization of markets across the country should be completed by the end of 2025. Starting in 2026, owners of trading markets that do not comply with the modern format outlined in trade legislation will face administrative penalties. According to the National Development Plan, the share of modern trading formats is expected to reach 70% by 2029.
In 2024, the committee reported that 16 markets were modernized.