E-Commerce Volume in Kazakhstan Surges Fivefold Since 2020
Kazakhstan Sees Surge in E-commerce with $6 Billion Spent on Online Purchases in 2024
Kazakh citizens have embraced online shopping like never before, with a staggering 3.2 trillion tenge (US$6 billion) spent on digital purchases in the first 11 months of 2024. This revelation was made by Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev during a recent government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.
The growth of e-commerce in Kazakhstan is undeniable, as the industry now accounts for 14.5% of total retail trade. This has not only created over 300,000 jobs but has also significantly boosted labor productivity by more than 30% compared to traditional retail methods.
Shakkaliyev highlighted that the volume of e-commerce in Kazakhstan has increased fivefold since 2020. While it still falls below the global average, the country possesses immense potential for further growth in online sales due to factors such as the large population of young people, advancing fintech sector, widespread internet access, and the increasing trend towards cashless payments.
Looking ahead, Kazakhstan aims to almost triple its e-commerce volume to 9.3 trillion tenge ($17.6 billion) by 2029. To achieve this goal, the government has put forth a comprehensive online commerce development plan that includes legislative enhancements, regional training programs, and financial backing for e-commerce entrepreneurs.
One of the proposed initiatives is the introduction of an electronic platform for registering foreign marketplaces. This move is intended to address citizen concerns related to product safety, counterfeit goods, and consumer protection in the online shopping landscape.
KazPost CEO Assel Zhanassova emphasized the sector’s potential in boosting regional entrepreneurship and solidifying Kazakhstan’s position as a Central Asian logistics hub. By 2029, it is projected that the average number of parcels per person will rise to 27 annually from the current five, supporting both local and cross-border trade activities.
Zhanassova also announced plans for the establishment of modern warehouse complexes in key regions like Almaty, Aktobe, and the Almaty and Turkistan Regions. With an estimated investment of around $100 million, these facilities covering over 85,000 square meters will play a crucial role in facilitating domestic and cross-border trade growth.
In a bid to offer citizens access to a wider range of global e-commerce products, Kazakhstan is developing digital services like Qazpost Keruen, which provides direct access to popular marketplaces in the United States, China, Germany, and South Korea while simplifying the customs clearance process.
