Kazakhstan's economy growing without reliance on oil - dep PM

ALMATY. May 13 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan's economy is maintaining steady growth even as oil production declines, driven by manufacturing, construction and trade, Deputy Prime Minister and National Economy Minister Serik Zhumangarin told reporters in parliament.

"The economy grew 3.6% in the first four months of the year despite falling nearly 5 million tonnes short of our oil production target," he said.

"If those 5 million tonnes had flowed into the economy, we would have already exceeded 6% growth," Zhumangarin said.

He said the current figures show growth in the non-resource sector. "Kazakhstan's economy is now demonstrating that it can grow without relying on resources. The non-resource sector is growing quite steadily."

Zhumangarin said manufacturing, construction and trade remain the main drivers. "Manufacturing is up nearly 10%, and it's growing month by month. Construction is growing. Trade is growing," Zhumangarin said.

Kazakhstan's GDP grew 6.5% in all of 2025, followed by 3.6% growth in January-April 2026. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has tasked the government with ensuring economic growth above 5% in 2026.