Astana, May 29, 2025 — In a landmark move aimed at positioning Kazakhstan as a regional leader in blockchain technology, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has announced the development of CryptoCity, a pioneering pilot zone where cryptocurrencies will be used for everyday payments and investment activities.
Unveiled during the Astana International Forum 2025, CryptoCity is designed as a regulatory sandbox, allowing the country to explore the adoption and integration of digital assets within a controlled, innovative environment.
“We are planning to create a pioneering pilot zone called CryptoCity where cryptocurrencies might be used for purchasing goods, services, and even beyond,” said President Tokayev in remarks published on his official website.
A Strategic Location: Alatau
According to Zhaslan Madiyev, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Digital Development, the most promising site for CryptoCity is Alatau, a southeastern settlement known for its scientific institutions and technological infrastructure.
Originally established in 1957 to host scientific research centers, Alatau today includes:
The Institute of Nuclear Physics
The Kazakhstan National Nuclear Center
An active Innovation Technology Park (special economic zone)
These existing assets make Alatau a natural fit for a high-tech, crypto-forward initiative. The government believes the city can become a magnet for developers, investors, and IT professionals, helping to grow Kazakhstan’s digital economy.
Crypto in Daily Life
CryptoCity is expected to support:
Payments in restaurants, cafes, and retail
Real estate purchases
Private investments using cryptocurrency
“CryptoCity implies free circulation of cryptocurrency, crypto-friendly legislation, and crypto as a legitimate means of payment,” Madiyev said. “These conditions need to be reflected in the law.”
Kazakhstan’s Growing Crypto Ambitions
Kazakhstan has been making steady progress toward broader crypto adoption:
In 2024, the country launched a central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot, which helped reduce VAT refund wait times.
First Vice Minister of Digital Development Kanysh Tuleushin recently stated that Kazakhstan could become a crypto hub for Central Asia, provided that regulatory barriers are reduced.
The CryptoCity project aligns with the World Economic Forum’s “sandbox-first” approach to DeFi and digital asset adoption, positioning Kazakhstan as a global case study for thoughtful, regulated crypto integration.
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