Kazakhstan plans a new Astana airport using Singapore’s aviation expertise and experience.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed plans for a new modern airport in Astana and the use of Singapore’s aviation expertise during a meeting with Senior Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong at Akorda. The discussion also covered political reforms, investment, transport and logistics, as well as cooperation in artificial intelligence and digitalisation.
During the meeting, President Tokayev outlined Kazakhstan’s ongoing political reforms, which he said were aimed at further improving public administration and the country’s political system. The reforms were based on the principle of a “Strong President, influential Qurultay and accountable Government”.
President Tokayev also highlighted Kazakhstan’s efforts to create a favourable investment climate and protect the rights of foreign investors. He noted that several Singaporean companies and funds, including PSA International and Temasek Holdings, were already operating successfully in Kazakhstan.
Transport and logistics cooperation was another key topic of the discussions, with particular attention given to aviation infrastructure in Astana. President Tokayev said Kazakhstan had decided to build a new modern airport to meet growing needs linked to the development of the city as an aviation hub.
“We have made a decision to build a new modern airport in Astana in order to meet the growing needs associated with the development of an aviation hub. In this regard, Singapore’s advanced experience is of particular interest to us,” President Tokayev said.
Referring to Singapore Changi Airport, he said: “Changi Airport, being recognized as the ‘gold standard’ of global aviation, embodies a high level of efficiency, advanced innovation and impeccable service quality.” He added that Kazakhstan intended to use Singapore’s experience in implementing the new airport project and to develop bilateral cooperation in the aviation sector.
President Tokayev also proposed expanding cooperation with Singapore in artificial intelligence and digitalisation. He said Kazakhstan had established a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and had declared 2026 the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence.
The discussion followed an earlier meeting between Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Mr. Yam Kum Weng, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore’s Changi Airport Group, on prospects for cooperation in aviation projects, including the new Astana airport.
Source: Kazinform
