Kazakhstan has approved a major new pharmaceutical investment project worth 42.5 billion tenge in the Karaganda Region, as the country accelerates efforts to strengthen domestic drug production and reduce reliance on imports.

The investment agreement between the Health Ministry and the Karaganda Pharmaceutical Complex was officially approved by the government under a resolution signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

The large-scale project supports the strategic directives of Kazakh Leader Kassym-Jomart Tokayev aimed at boosting local pharmaceutical manufacturing and expanding high-tech industrial capacity.

The new facility will become one of the biggest pharmaceutical projects in Kazakhstan, focusing on deeper localization of medicine production and the development of advanced pharmaceutical technologies.

The plant is expected to manufacture 74 types of pharmaceuticals, including innovative medicines used in the treatment of cancer, autoimmune disorders, and rare diseases.

In addition to producing immunobiological and other high-tech medicines, the complex will also develop active pharmaceutical ingredients, biotechnology products, and biological compounds that meet international standards.

The project will significantly strengthen Kazakhstan’s pharmaceutical security while creating modern manufacturing infrastructure in Karaganda and generating around 70 new jobs.

Kazakhstan’s pharmaceutical sector has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2025, pharmaceutical production reached 191.1 billion tenge - an increase of 8.7 percent compared to the previous year - while annual investment in the industry climbed sharply from $91.3 million to $142.8 million.

Since December 2025, Kazakhstan has signed seven pharmaceutical investment agreements worth a combined 360 billion tenge. The projects are expected to support the production of nearly 474 pharmaceutical products and create more than 1,170 permanent jobs nationwide.