President Tokayev Signs $180 Million Deal with Mars

The American multinational corporation Mars will build a pet food manufacturing plant in Kazakhstan's newly established city, Alatau. The investment agreement, valued at $180 million, was signed during a meeting between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the company's CEO, Poul Weihrauch, according to the Akorda press service.

The Head of State described the signing as the beginning of a strategically important partnership, noting that the project reflects the high level of investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United States.

Project Features and Significance

• Production Hub: The new industrial complex in Alatau will focus on the deep processing of local agro-industrial raw materials.
• Economic Impact: This will enable the production of high-value-added, export-oriented products within the country.
• Regional Strategy: Mars CEO Poul Weihrauch thanked the President for his support, stating that the Kazakhstan plant will serve as a primary platform for the corporation to expand its market across Central Asia and neighboring regions.

Alatau is a large-scale project established in 2024 based on the village of Zhetigen in the Almaty region. Developed as a Special Economic Zone stretching 65 kilometers along the Almaty–Konayev highway. The population is expected to reach 1.8 million people by 2050. Authorities plan to grant the city a special constitutional status, transforming it into a digital "crypto-city." Often dubbed the "Kazakhstani Dubai," the project is projected to contribute $50 billion to the national economy over the next 30 years.

Mars founded in 1911, Mars, Incorporated is one of the world's largest privately-owned companies. While famous for confectionery brands like Snickers, Mars, Twix, and M&M’s, it is also a global leader in the pet care industry (Pedigree, Whiskas, Royal Canin). To this day, the company remains a fully family-owned business managed by the descendants of the founder.