President paid a visit to the industrial hub, Tassay, located in Shymkent.
Shymkent at the Forefront of Kazakhstan's Industrial Revolution
Shymkent, a city in Kazakhstan, is playing a significant role in the country's industrial growth and development. The city is a key component of Kazakhstan's broader industrial strategy, which aims to double the nation's GDP to $450 billion by 2029 through investments in various sectors, including manufacturing, petrochemicals, metallurgy, and energy [1].
One of the notable projects in Shymkent is the expansion and modernization of the Shymkent Oil Refinery. This refinery upgrade is part of the government's long-term plan to more than double oil refining capacity nationwide by 2040. The refinery's enhancements contribute to increased refining depth and higher output of motor fuels that meet advanced environmental standards [1][3][5].
Although specific updates about the Aksa Enerji Üretim A.Ş. gas turbine power plant in Shymkent were not readily available, Kazakhstan continues to focus on electricity generation improvements and utility upgrades as part of its industrial diversification strategy [1]. Given this, it is reasonable to assume that the gas turbine power plant plays a role in meeting energy demands and supporting industrial growth in the region.
The Asia Trafo plant, a manufacturer presumed to specialize in industrial equipment such as transformers or electrical components, is another important local manufacturer. Recent initiatives by entities like the International Machine-Building Center (IMBC) and Tengizchevroil LLP aim to strengthen Kazakhstani manufacturing capabilities, improve local suppliers’ competitiveness, and align industry standards with international norms [2]. IMBC representatives have visited production sites in Shymket as part of efforts to inspect and boost local manufacturing supporting major energy and industrial projects.
The Asia Trafo plant produces auto-transformers, oil-filled power transformers, and reactors for the CIS markets [6]. No specific details about the timeframe for these projects or job creation are provided, but it is known that approximately 800 jobs are being created through these initiatives.
Shymkent is also set to be part of the government's Smart City digital transformation project, starting by the end of 2025. This project includes environmental monitoring, energy efficiency improvements, and the potential integration of digitization and AI technologies, which may benefit industrial plants and urban infrastructure [4].
The total investment in the industrial zone in Shymkent is 44.5 billion tenge, and nine investment projects are being implemented there. In addition, 33 enterprises operate within the industrial zone [7]. The President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has been informed about the construction of the Aksa Enerji Üretim A.Ş. gas turbine power plant and has familiarized himself with the production line of the Asia Trafo plant [8].
The exact nature or purpose of the industrial zone and the enterprises operating within it is not disclosed. However, it is clear that Shymkent is a significant hub within Kazakhstan’s accelerating industrial development framework, with active refinery expansion, energy infrastructure upgrades, and strengthening of local manufacturing. These efforts align with Kazakhstan's national goals to enhance industrial capacity, diversify the economy, and implement advanced technologies by 2029–2040 [1][2][3][4].
The Shymkent Oil Refinery's expansion and modernization, part of the government's plan to increase oil refining capacity, underscores its role in the finance sector of Kazakhstan's industrial revolution. The Asia Trafo plant, producing industrial equipment, is strengthening the manufacturing industry in Shymkent, aligning with efforts to boost local manufacturing capabilities and meet international norms.
