Kazakhstan is planning to launch “CryptoCity,” a pilot zone where cryptocurrencies can be used for payments, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced at the Astana International Forum 2025.

Tokayev said the zone will explore crypto adoption within a regulated sandbox, allowing the purchase of goods, services, and potentially more with crypto.

A transcript of his remarks was published on the president’s official website.

The initiative comes amid a wave of crypto-focused developments in Kazakhstan.

Kanysh Tuleushin, the country’s first vice minister of digital development, has said Kazakhstan could become a leading crypto hub in Central Asia if regulatory restrictions ease.

In 2024, the country’s pilot project with a central bank digital currency reportedly helped reduce VAT refund wait times.

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev said the government is working to determine the best location for CryptoCity, with Alatau, a research and technology hub, seen as the frontrunner.

Alatau, founded in 1957, houses institutions like the Institute of Nuclear Physics and Innovation Technology Park.

Madiyev explained the concept is for cryptocurrency to be widely accepted—used for payments in restaurants and cafes, real estate purchases, and investments.

He described CryptoCity as a major breakthrough for the blockchain industry.

He also expressed hopes the project would attract developers, programmers, and IT professionals, helping to boost Kazakhstan’s economy.

Madiyev emphasized the need for a clear regulatory framework, noting that CryptoCity implies free circulation of cryptocurrency, crypto-friendly legislation, and crypto as a legitimate means of payment—elements that must be reflected in the law.

Sources:

https://cointelegraph.com/news/kazakhstan-pilots-cryptocity-crypto-payments-adoption

https://www.akorda.kz/en/statement-by-he-president-of-the-republic-of-kazakhstan-mr-kassym-jomart-tokayev-at-the-plenary-session-of-the-astana-international-forum-2944235