A government resolution dated November 2, 2026, amended the rules governing the Saryarka special economic zone in Karaganda Region. Its area has grown to 1,417 hectares and now includes Sary-Arka Airport.
Karkaraly District has also been added to the zone. Its new objectives include developing tourism in the region and improving infrastructure for the sector.
Established in 2011, the Saryarka SEZ is described as a port special economic zone located within the boundaries of Karaganda and Balkhash, as well as the Bukhar-Zhyrau and Karkaraly districts. In addition to its main area, it has four subzones: Silicon Valley, Sary-Arka Airport, Karkaly and Balkhash.