Ulttyq Ónim – 2025: Major Exhibition of Domestic Producers Opens in Astana

The annual 8th Ulttyq Ónim – 2025 exhibition of domestic producers has officially opened in Astana. The event is being held from May 16 to 18 at the EXPO International Exhibition Center.

The exhibition features the products and services of 350 Kazakhstani companies that have received government support through the programs of the «Damu» Fund, a subsidiary of the National Managing Holding «Baiterek.» Other subsidiaries of the Holding are also taking part in the exhibition, including Agrarian Credit Corporation JSC, Development Bank of Kazakhstan JSC, KazakhExport JSC, Qazaqstan Investment Corporation JSC, and the venture capital company BGlobal Ventures.

The exhibition showcases products from various industries, including food processing, light industry, chemicals, machinery, equipment, and jewelry manufacturing.

Opening the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin emphasized that entrepreneurship development is a key factor in sustainable economic growth:

«The Head of State consistently highlights that a strong economy begins with strong entrepreneurship. That is why supporting businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, remains a priority of state economic policy. The government is actively working to provide entrepreneurs with favorable conditions for growth: accessible financing, support in entering new markets, and reducing barriers to development,» said Serik Zhumangarin.

In 2024, the Government of Kazakhstan, with active participation from the Ministry of National Economy and the Baiterek Holding, allocated 336 billion tenge to implement business support programs through subsidies and guarantees. A total of 29,500 projects received state support, with loans amounting to 1.7 trillion tenge, including 2,700 concessional lending projects worth 254 billion tenge. These measures helped create 9,700 jobs, generate products worth 25.4 trillion tenge, and bring 1.7 trillion tenge in tax revenues. As a result, the share of people employed in the SME sector reached 48% of the population in 2024, and SMEs contributed nearly 40% to the country’s GDP.

Rustam Karagoishin, Chairman of the Management Board of Baiterek Holding, highlighted the importance of stimulating economic growth, particularly through support for the real sector and improving access to finance for businesses:

«Supporting domestic production is a strategic priority for Baiterek Holding. We firmly believe that Kazakhstani businesses are the foundation of the national economy, a source of innovation and employment. Holding this exhibition recognizes the key role of local producers in the country’s development. We are committed to being by their side, creating conditions for sustainable growth and unlocking entrepreneurial potential,» said Rustam Karagoishin.

Farhat Sarsekeyev, Chairman of the Management Board of the Damu Fund, also spoke on the Fund’s role in supporting Kazakhstani businesses:

«Throughout its existence, the Damu Fund has supported over 225,000 projects with loans totaling more than 14 trillion tenge. As a result, more than 220,000 new jobs were created and 1.2 million existing jobs preserved. Products worth around 130 trillion tenge were produced, and approximately 9 trillion tenge in taxes were paid to the state budget. It is important for us that this exhibition showcases real results of entrepreneurs supported by the government,» he said.

As part of the exhibition, a plenary session on «The Role of Banks in State Support Measures for SMEs» was held, organized by the Damu Fund. Participants discussed how second-tier banks enhance the impact of government business support measures.

«The development of domestic business is impossible without reliable partners. Second-tier banks are a crucial link between development institutions, government resources, and the needs of entrepreneurs. Baiterek Holding will continue building an effective model where STBs serve as trusted strategic partners in ensuring sustainable national economic growth,» said Zhandos Shaikhi, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Baiterek Holding.

The Ulttyq Ónim exhibition demonstrates the steady growth and competitiveness of Kazakhstani businesses and serves as an important platform for promoting local brands in the international market.

The exhibition will run until May 18. Admission is free for all visitors.