Cryptocurrency payment zone to appear in Kazakhstan
Date: 2025-05-30 Author: Oliver Abernathy Categories: IN WORLD
At the plenary session of the International Forum in Astana, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the launch of a new initiative — the creation of an experimental zone in which cryptocurrencies will be used as a means of payment. He noted that this is part of a large-scale plan for the digital transformation of the country and strengthening Kazakhstan's position as the IT center of Eurasia.
Tokayev emphasized that the republic has achieved serious success in the field of digitalization, and now seeks to develop key areas, including artificial intelligence technologies and digital solutions. The initiative to create a crypto zone will be an important step in this direction.
As reported by the Minister of Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev, the government, together with regulatory authorities, is considering the possibility of creating the so-called CryptoCity — a city in which cryptocurrencies can be used in everyday life. The most likely location for the project is the city of Alatau, which is under construction and was initiated by the President. According to the Minister, in CryptoCity, residents and guests will be able to pay for goods and services with crypto — from restaurants and cafes to buying real estate and investing in investment projects.
Madiev noted that the launch of CryptoCity can attract qualified specialists to Kazakhstan — developers, engineers, investors from abroad. This will create new jobs, expand the digital ecosystem and have a positive impact on the economic development of the country.
In preparation for the launch of the crypto zone, the National Bank of Kazakhstan is also stepping up work to regulate the cryptocurrency sector. As previously reported by Yerlan Ashykbekov, Director of the Department of Payment Systems of the regulator, licensed exchange offices will officially begin operating in the country in the near future. Their activities will be controlled by the state, and transactions for exchanging cryptocurrencies for fiat money will become legal and transparent.
Thus, Kazakhstan is taking an important step towards integrating digital assets into the economy and everyday life, highlighting its desire for technological leadership in the region.
