Kazakhstan aims to increase the share of e-commerce to 20% of total retail trade by 2030, according to Galya-Banu Meirbayeva, Director of the Department of Electronic and Exchange Trade at the Ministry of Trade and Integration. The announcement was made during the international summit “Access to Logistics and Business through E-Commerce,” held recently in Pakistan, The Caspian Post reports citing foreign media.
Meirbayeva emphasized that advancing e-commerce is a strategic priority for Kazakhstan. She noted that implementing digital solutions, including artificial intelligence and virtual assistants, will improve cross-border trade, enhance customer experiences, and accelerate economic modernization.
Over the past five years, Kazakhstan’s e-commerce sector has grown sevenfold, reaching KZT 3.2 trillion (approximately $6.1 billion) in 2024. E-commerce now accounts for 14.1% of the country’s retail trade, with more than 8 million active online shoppers, predominantly younger users.
“The potential for further growth is huge, and we have set an ambitious goal. By 2030, every fifth purchase in the country should be made online,” a ministry representativestated.
National Strategy for E-Commerce Development
In March 2025, Kazakhstan approved a national development plan for e-commerce. The plan outlines key priorities: improving legislation, expanding public education initiatives, supporting entrepreneurship, and developing modern logistics infrastructure. Ensuring consumer protection and fair market conditions for all participants are also central goals.
The strategy builds on existing momentum, with a focus on equipping the population and businesses for the digital economy. In particular, the government aims to remove regulatory bottlenecks and foster innovation in digital trade.
International Engagement and Regional Partnerships
Kazakhstan has also been active in promoting digital trade through multilateral platforms such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), United Nations (UN), Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). In April 2025, Kazakhstan and Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding on e-commerce, marking a step toward deeper strategic cooperation between the two countries.
“The exchange of experience and coordination of actions on international platforms will contribute to building a sustainable and inclusive digital trade architecture in the region,” the Ministry of Trade and Integration said in a statement.
Earlier, the ministry had set a target of increasing e-commerce to 18% by 2029, as reported by The Times of Central Asia.
However, domestic businesses continue to express concernover competitive imbalances. Many argue that foreign e-commerce platforms benefit from favorable tax regimes that disadvantage local companies in Kazakhstan’s domestic market.
