Аннотация: Бұл мақаланың мақсаты – Қазақстанның кешенді экономикасын, оның ресурстық негіздерін, географиялық-өнеркәсіптік секторларын, құрылымдық өзгерістер мен заманауи сындарды талдау. Зерттеу Қазақстан экономикасының өнеркәсіп және ауыл шаруашылығы салаларының аймақтық ерекшеліктеріне, мұнай-газ секторының маңыздылығына, шикізаттық тәуелділік пен өндірісті әртараптандыру мәселелеріне тоқталады. Нәтижесінде экономикалық стратегияның басым бағыттары мен әлеуетті тәуекелдер айқындалады. Мақала мынадай қорытынды жасайды: болашақтағы тұрақты экономикалық өсуді қамтамасыз ету үшін инновациялық салаларды дамыту және адам капиталына инвестиция салу сынды ауқымды әртараптандыру іс-шаралары қажет.

Аннотация: Данная статья анализирует комплексную экономику Казахстана, её ресурсную базу, географические и промышленные секторы, структурные изменения и современные вызовы. Исследование фокусируется на региональных особенностях промышленного и сельскохозяйственного секторов, значении нефтегазовой отрасли, а также проблемах сырьевой зависимости и диверсификации производства. Основной методологией анализа является отраслевое и региональное описание, опирающееся на официальную статистику и экономические исследования. В результате обозначены приоритеты экономической стратегии и потенциальные риски. Автор приходит к выводу, что для обеспечения устойчивого экономического роста в будущем необходимы масштабные меры по диверсификации, включая развитие инновационных отраслей и инвестиции в человеческий капитал.

Abstract: This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Kazakhstan's multifaceted economy, examining its resource base, geographical-industrial sectors, structural transformations, and contemporary challenges. The study delves into the regional characteristics of the industrial and agricultural sectors, the pivotal role of the oil and gas industry, and the pressing issues of commodity dependence and the need for production diversification. The primary research method involves sectoral and regional description, utilizing official statistics and economic research. The analysis elucidates the key priorities of Kazakhstan's economic strategy and identifies potential vulnerabilities. The author concludes that ensuring sustainable economic growth in the future requires extensive diversification efforts, including the development of innovative sectors and strategic investment in human capital.

Introduction. The economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan represents a significant and evolving case study in the post-Soviet space, characterized by a vast endowment of natural resources, strategic geographical location, and ongoing efforts toward modernization and diversification. Since gaining independence in 1991, Kazakhstan has transitioned from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented one, achieving substantial growth primarily driven by its extractive industries [1, p. 15]. The relevance of analyzing Kazakhstan's economic structure lies in understanding both its strengths as a regional leader and the persistent challenges of commodity dependence, spatial development disparities, and integration into the global economy. This article aims to provide a systematic overview of Kazakhstan's economy by examining its fundamental resource potential, delineating the economic specialization of its key regions, and assessing the current strategic initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive growth. The theoretical and practical significance of this analysis is rooted in its potential to inform policymakers, investors, and researchers about the dynamics and future trajectory of one of Central Asia's most pivotal economies.

The economic foundation of Kazakhstan is built upon an exceptionally rich and diverse mineral resource base. Geological surveys indicate the presence of almost all elements in the periodic table within the country's subsoil [2, p. 89]. A geological and economic evaluation highlights the following as having the greatest current economic importance: oil, natural gas, coal, uranium, copper, iron ore, chromium, zinc, lead, gold, and manganese. This abundance has positioned Kazakhstan as a major global exporter. For instance, its ferrous and non-ferrous metals are supplied to markets in Japan, South Korea, the European Union, Russia, China, and the United States [3, p. 112]. Furthermore, Kazakhstan consistently ranks among the world's top producers of uranium and is a key supplier of oil from the Caspian Sea basin to international markets.

The economic geography of Kazakhstan can be effectively analyzed through five distinct regional sectors, each with its own industrial and agricultural profile:

1. Northern Kazakhstan serves as the nation's agricultural heartland, dominated by vast, well-cultivated fields and pastures. It is the primary producer of grain, especially high-quality wheat, as well as barley and oats. This sector's contribution is critical; agricultural producers routinely supply millions of tons of grain, forming a stable pillar of the national economy and food security. Beyond agriculture, the region also hosts significant enterprises in food processing, light industry, and heavy industry, including specialized engineering and agricultural machinery production.
2. Southern Kazakhstan benefits from a milder climate and irrigated lands, making it famous for horticulture, viticulture, and the cultivation of vegetables, fruits, rice, and cotton. Livestock farming is diversified, featuring sheep, dairy and meat cattle, as well as horse and camel breeding. The industrial complex is anchored by a developed chemical industry, complemented by textile manufacturing, light industry, food processing, oil refining, and the production of construction materials.
3. Western Kazakhstan is the engine of the national economy, home to the country's most significant hydrocarbon reserves. The giant Tengiz, Kashagan, and Karachaganak fields contain a substantial share of the region's oil and gas wealth, making Kazakhstan one of the world's top oil producers [4, p. 203]. The exploration and development of these resources have attracted massive foreign direct investment through joint ventures with major international corporations. Historically, refining capacity lagged behind production, but recent modernization programs aim to address this gap. The export of crude oil and oil products remains the primary source of state budget revenues, underlining the sector's systemic importance. Emerging industries in the region include shipbuilding and associated services for the Caspian Sea.
4. Eastern Kazakhstan is a center for electric power generation, leveraging the vast Ekibastuz coal basin and a network of hydroelectric power stations on the Irtysh River and its tributaries. This energy supports local metallurgical plants (both ferrous and non-ferrous), engineering facilities, and a growing automobile industry. Agriculture specializes in fodder crops and industrial crops like sunflowers and flax, alongside fruit growing and apiculture.
5. Central Kazakhstan is traditionally the core of the mining industry and non-ferrous metallurgy, with the Karaganda coal basin being actively exploited. The key industries include ferrous metallurgy, machine building, and light and food industries. Livestock farming is primarily focused on meat and dairy cattle breeding, while crop cultivation centers on cereals and fodder.

Despite this regional diversification, the Kazakh economy faces the critical challenge of over-reliance on the extractive sector. This dependency creates vulnerability to volatile global commodity prices, a phenomenon known as the "resource curse" or "Dutch disease," which can crowd out investments in other sectors. Recognizing this risk, the state has launched long-term strategic programs, such as the "Kazakhstan 2050" Strategy and various state programs for industrial-innovative development. The core objectives of these initiatives are to foster a knowledge-based economy, develop competitive manufacturing and agro-processing industries, and enhance human capital through education and technological innovation. The success of this economic diversification is paramount for achieving resilient and sustainable development in the decades to come.

In conclusion, the economy of Kazakhstan possesses a dual character: immense strength derived from its natural resource wealth and inherent vulnerabilities associated with a commodity-driven growth model. The regional analysis reveals a complex economic landscape where the hydrocarbon-rich west finances national development, the agrarian north ensures food security, and the industrial centers in the east and central regions form the backbone of manufacturing and energy production. The country has made significant strides in establishing a market economy and integrating into global trade networks. However, the reliability of the current growth model is contingent upon external market stability. Therefore, the author's primary conclusion is that the future trajectory and stability of Kazakhstan's economy are inextricably linked to the successful implementation of its diversification agenda. Reducing structural dependence on raw materials by developing high-value-added industries, strengthening transport and logistics infrastructure, and investing in innovation and education will be decisive factors in transitioning toward a more balanced, resilient, and inclusive economic system capable of withstanding global shocks and ensuring long-term prosperity for its population.

References

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3. Kalyuzhnova, Y. The Kazakhstan Economy: Independence and Transition. – Berlin: Springer, 2020. – 180 p.
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