Kazakhstan and Firebird sign $10 billion AI infrastructure agreement backed by Nvidia technical support, marking significant realignment of the global computing landscape.
Based on recent developments, including Kazakhstan signing a $10 billion artificial intelligence infrastructure project agreement with US company Firebird, Iran's proposal to provide port infrastructure access to Kazakhstan to support global trade, and a new cooperation memorandum between the Energy Ministry, National Geological Service, and Shell Kazakhstan on oil and gas data analysis, KazInform News Agency presents its weekly foreign press review.
**Bloomberg: Kazakhstan and Firebird Reach $10 Billion AI Agreement with NVIDIA Support**
According to Bloomberg, Kazakhstan has signed an agreement with US company Firebird on an artificial intelligence infrastructure project that could attract up to $10 billion in investment, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan stated.
The agreements include a strategic cooperation agreement on AI infrastructure development and terms for the "Data Center Valley" project planned for construction in northeastern Kazakhstan.
The first phase provides $5 billion in investment, including $1 billion from Kazakhtelecom, with commercial operations of the 125-megawatt facility expected to begin in 2027. The second phase could bring an additional $5 billion in investment.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov stated that the project aims to create a "global digital infrastructure hosting platform."
According to Deputy Prime Minister Zaslan Madiyev, the project is expected to generate at least $3 billion in annual export revenue and strengthen Kazakhstan's position "as one of Central Asia's key digital hubs."
The planned computing cluster will be powered by 100,000 next-generation NVIDIA GPU chips.
**Euro News: Kazakhstan's Skies Welcome Central Asia's First Paragliding World Cup**
According to Euro News, approximately 150 pilots from 33 countries have gathered in the Jetsu region of Kazakhstan to participate in Central Asia's first paragliding world championship.
Kazakhstan's Jetsu region is hosting the first-ever paragliding world championship held in Central Asia, attracting approximately 150 pilots from 33 countries. The competition will run through June 28, combining elite aerial sports with spectacular mountain scenery.
Organizers hope the event will raise international awareness of the region, showcasing its world-class flying conditions, natural beauty, and growing appeal as an adventure tourism destination in the region.
**Central Asia Times: Kazakhstan and Iran Expand Port Access to Promote Cargo Transport**
According to the Central Asia Times, Iran has prepared to provide port infrastructure access to Kazakhstan to support cargo transport to global markets, Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh stated during talks with Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumagaliev in Astana.
Both sides discussed the development of the North-South International Transport Corridor, port infrastructure, and trade cooperation.
Iran confirmed it has completed the procedure for allocating land to Kazakhstan at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas. Tehran has also offered Kazakhstan the opportunity to operate at Chabahar Port, a strategic hub for access to South Asian and Southeast Asian markets.
"Strengthening cooperation is a strategic task set by the leaders of our two countries," Zhumagaliev said.
According to him, trade between Kazakhstan and Iran grew by 26.4% in 2025, reaching $430.2 million.
Officials noted that cargo volumes on the North-South Corridor grew by 12% in 2025, reaching 3.5 million tons.
**Trend News Agency: Kazakhstan and Shell Launch Digital Cooperation on Oil and Gas Data**
According to Trend News Agency, Kazakhstan's Energy Ministry, National Geological Service, and Shell Kazakhstan have signed a cooperation memorandum on oil and gas data research and analysis, the ministry stated.
The agreement focuses on international expertise exchange, digitalization of archival geological information, and expert training. A pilot project will also be launched to develop a geographic information system for processing and interpreting historical geological data.
"Improving geological exploration efficiency is a priority, including through active introduction of digital technologies and modern geological data management methods," said Deputy Minister of Energy Yerlan Akbarov.
Shell Kazakhstan Chairman Susanna Kugen stated that the project "confirms Shell's commitment to long-term cooperation with the Republic of Kazakhstan."
The company noted that advanced technology and global expertise can help improve the efficiency of Kazakhstan's oil and gas exploration.
**Muslim Web TV: Kazakhstan's Ancient Settlement Reveals New Silk Road Connections**
According to Muslim Web TV, new discoveries at the Karakabak archaeological site in the Mangystau region of Kazakhstan suggest it was a major trade and transport hub connecting Central Asia, the Caspian region, and Eastern Europe, researchers stated.
The settlement, located on the Caspian coast with origins dating back to the 1st to 6th centuries AD, has been under study by the Margulan Archaeological Research Institute since 2022.
Archaeologists have found evidence of metallurgy, jewelry making, glass production, and ceramic manufacturing, as well as imported goods from throughout the Eurasian continent.
"Particularly noteworthy for scientific study is a collection of over 150 coins, dating from the 1st century to the first half of the 6th century AD," said archaeologist Andrey Astafieff.
These coins are from Parthia, ancient Khorezm, Sassanid Iran, the Byzantine Empire, and China, confirming Karakabak's role in international trade networks.
Researchers believe a branch of the Silk Road may have passed through Mangystau, connecting the eastern and western parts of the Eurasian continent.