Will Kazakhstan’s new “Availability Payment” model materially accelerate foreign investment in industrial zones?

Kazakhstan has introduced a new investment model, “Payment for Availability,” to accelerate industrial zone development and attract long-term investors. The pilot is underway in the West Kazakhstan region at the Eurasia Cross-Border Trade Center, with 17 foreign-backed projects totaling $370 million and over 1,500 jobs planned. Under the scheme, investors finance infrastructure upfront and are later reimbursed by zone participants and the state after facilities become operational. The goal is to cut launch times and reduce near-term budget strain.