Foreign media on Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan, Firebird ink $10B AI deal with Nvidia support; Kazakhstan and Iran expand port access to boost cargo transit

Bloomberg: Kazakhstan, Firebird Ink $10 billion AI deal with Nvidia support

According to Bloomberg, Kazakhstan has signed agreements with U.S.-based Firebird Inc. on artificial intelligence infrastructure projects that could attract up to $10 billion in investment, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry said.

The agreements include a strategic cooperation deal on AI infrastructure development and terms for the planned Data Center Valley project in northeastern Kazakhstan.

The first phase provides $5 billion in investment, including $1 billion from Kazakhtelecom, with commercial operations at a 125-megawatt facility expected to begin in 2027. A second phase could bring an additional $5 billion.

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said the project aims to create "a platform for hosting global digital infrastructure."

According to Deputy Prime Minister Zhaslan Madiyev, the project is expected to generate at least $3 billion in annual export revenue and strengthen Kazakhstan's position "as one of Eurasia's key digital hubs."

The planned computing cluster will be powered by 100,000 next-generation Nvidia GPU chips.

Euronews: Kazakhstan’s skies welcome Central Asia’s first Paragliding World Cup

According to Euronews, around 150 pilots from 33 countries have gathered in Kazakhstan's Zhetysu region for Central Asia's first-ever Paragliding World Cup.

Kazakhstan's Zhetysu region is hosting the first Paragliding World Cup ever held in Central Asia, attracting around 150 pilots from 33 countries. The competition, which runs until June 28, combines elite aerial sport with spectacular mountain scenery.

Organizers hope the event will boost the international profile of the region, showcasing its world-class flying conditions, natural beauty and growing appeal as an adventure tourism destination in the region.

The Times of Central Asia: Kazakhstan and Iran expand port access to boost cargo transit

According to The Times of Central Asia,Iran is ready to provide Kazakhstan with access to its port infrastructure to support cargo shipments to global markets, Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh said during talks with Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin in Astana.

The sides discussed the development of the International North-South Transport Corridor, port infrastructure and trade cooperation.

Iran confirmed that procedures have been finalized to allocate a land plot to Kazakhstan at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas. Tehran also offered Kazakhstan the opportunity to operate at Chabahar Port, a strategic hub providing access to South and Southeast Asian markets.

"Strengthening cooperation is a strategic task set by our heads of state," Zhumangarin said.

According to him, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Iran rose by 26.4% in 2025 to $430.2 million.

Officials noted that cargo volumes along the North-South corridor increased by 12% in 2025 to 3.5 million tons.

Trend News Agency: Kazakhstan, Shell launch digital cooperation on hydrocarbon data

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy, the National Geological Service and Shell Kazakhstan have signed a memorandum of cooperation on the study and analysis of hydrocarbon data, the ministry said, Trend News Agency reports.

The agreement focuses on the exchange of international expertise, digitalization of archival geological information and specialist training. A pilot project will also be launched to develop a geoinformation system for processing and interpreting historical geological data.

"Improving the efficiency of geological exploration is a priority, including through the active introduction of digital technologies and modern approaches to geological data management," Vice Minister of Energy Yerlan Akbarov said.

Shell Kazakhstan Chair Suzanne Coogan said the project "confirms Shell's commitment to long-term cooperation with the Republic of Kazakhstan."

The company noted that advanced technologies and global expertise could help improve the efficiency of hydrocarbon exploration in Kazakhstan.

Muslim Network TV: Kazakhstan’s ancient settlement unearths new Silk Road links

According to Muslim Network TV, new discoveries at the Karakabak archaeological site in Kazakhstan's Mangistau Region suggest it was a major trade and transport hub linking Central Asia, the Caspian region and Eastern Europe, researchers say.

The settlement, located on the Caspian coast and dating from the 1st to 6th centuries A.D., has been studied by the Margulan Institute of Archaeology since 2022.

Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of metallurgy, jewelry-making, glass production and ceramics manufacturing, as well as imported goods from across Eurasia.

"Of particular scientific interest is a collection of more than 150 coins dating from the 1st century to the first half of the 6th century A.D.," archaeologist Andrey Astafyev said.

The coins originate from Parthia, Ancient Khorezm, Sasanian Iran, the Byzantine Empire and China, confirming Karakabak's role in international trade networks.

Researchers believe one branch of the Silk Road may have passed through Mangistau, connecting East and West across Eurasia.

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