Increasing Production Capacity in the Capital: An Overview of Astana's Production Growth
Over the next five years, Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, is set to witness a significant industrial transformation. A total of 25 new facilities are expected to be launched, with investments worth approximately 5 billion tenge attracted to the sector [2].
One of the key initiatives is the expansion of SandCo Quartz Sand, a leading supplier of premium quartz sand in Central Asia. The company aims to boost its production capacity from 15,000 tons in 2024 to 25,000 tons by 2025, investing $10 million in enhancing production facilities and logistics capabilities [1]. The expansion includes the integration of renewable energy like solar power to reduce carbon emissions, setting a sustainable industrial standard. SandCo's ambition is to expand into the China and Middle East markets, supplying high-purity quartz sand for semiconductor fabrication, construction, and advanced filtration technologies related to oil and gas industries [1].
Another significant development is the $15 billion investment roadmap for major petrochemical projects, focusing on production of polyethylene, butadiene, and other ethylene-based products to meet rising global demand [3]. This investment will support expansion of ethylene production facilities and related infrastructure, reflecting global trends toward increasing petrochemical capacity with improved supply chain resilience [3].
Astana is also making strides in the digital economy. Initiatives like the Solana Economic Zone — Central Asia’s first Web3-focused economic zone — and plans for “CryptoCity,” a pilot zone for everyday cryptocurrency payments, are underway [4]. The government is also developing a digital asset ecosystem including crypto banking services, aiming to create a regulated and innovative blockchain environment [4]. These projects are supported by government crypto mining operations and a state crypto reserve funded by confiscated assets.
These developments collectively reflect Kazakhstan’s strategy to boost industrial output in high-tech minerals, petrochemicals, and digital finance sectors, positioning Astana as a regional industrial and innovation hub through 2030 [1][3][4].
The city's industrial growth has already resulted in the creation of over 450 jobs [2] and the commissioning of facilities in the food, machinery, and service sectors. The new enterprises can service up to 50 vehicle bodies annually and assemble up to 350 units of machinery per year, while having an annual production capacity of up to 5,000 tons of food products [2].
The "one-stop shop" approach in Astana aims to minimize administrative barriers and reduce project implementation times for investors, with the Astana Capital Development Center supporting all stages of industrial projects under this principle [5]. This approach, combined with the city's akimat's support, is attracting high interest from investors, indicating the growing attractiveness of Astana as a point of industrial growth and economic development.
In summary, the upcoming industrial development projects in Astana are set to reshape the city's landscape and position it as a regional hub for high-tech minerals, petrochemicals, and digital finance sectors. With the support of the Astana Capital Development Center and the city's akimat, these projects are expected to create more jobs, boost the economy, and contribute to Kazakhstan's industrial growth strategy.
- The expansion of SandCo Quartz Sand, a major player in the manufacturing industry, will invest $10 million in boosting production capacity, focusing on the import of renewable energy and expanding into the China and Middle East markets for semiconductor fabrication, construction, and advanced filtration technologies.
- A significant investment of $15 billion is planned for major petrochemical projects, targeting the production of polyethylene, butadiene, and ethylene-based products to cater to the increasing global demand, with an aim to expand petrochemical capacity and enhance supply chain resilience.
- In an effort to boost the digital economy, Astana is introducing the Solana Economic Zone and plans for "CryptoCity," aiming to create a regulated and innovative blockchain environment, and enhancing the city's attractiveness as a hub for digital finance investments.
