What Tokayev spoke about at the government meeting
Today, an extended government meeting was held in Astana, in which Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part.
The head of state spoke at length about economic growth, diversification of industries, increasing investment attractiveness and reforming public administration. The president also called on the government to save money and use resources rationally.
We have collected important initiatives that Tokayev voiced.
Diversification of the economy
The President emphasized the need for further diversification of the Kazakh economy. He stated that despite the existing successes in the manufacturing industry, where 180 investment projects worth 1.3 trillion tenge were implemented in 2024, it is necessary to quickly develop new projects.
Tokayev emphasized that in order to ensure long-term economic growth, it is necessary to actively develop new industries, reduce dependence on traditional raw materials and create conditions for Kazakhstan to enter new foreign markets.
Attracting investment and improving the business climate
According to Tokayev, attracting foreign and private investment is now a priority for the country – therefore, it is necessary to eliminate bureaucratic barriers and create more transparent and predictable conditions for doing business.
The President also stressed that it is necessary to actively use new digital technologies and improve the business climate: this will accelerate economic development and increase the country's competitiveness.
Saving and rational use of public funds
Tokayev proposed measures to reduce non-targeted budget expenditures and noted that this is necessary in the context of global economic instability and sanctions pressure. He called on the government to save funds and spend them only on solving the most important and urgent tasks.
"It's time to tighten our belts and live within our means," the president said.
Combating disinformation and “fake news that discredits the government”
Tokayev stated that cases of disinformation and "media leaks" are becoming more frequent. In his opinion, it is necessary to study the issue of introducing legislative liability of Internet platforms for destructive content.
The president also noted that society is developing an opinion about the state's insufficient efforts to protect citizens from cyber fraudsters: about 80% of cases of Internet fraud remain unsolved. In this regard, he instructed the government to ensure "maximum protection" of citizens' personal data.
Tourism development
Tokayev proposed developing tourism as one of the most important drivers of economic growth. In his opinion, Kazakhstan has enormous potential for developing this sector of the economy.
The President noted that in order to attract tourists, it is necessary to improve infrastructure, develop new tourist routes and provide high-quality services. Tourism development will create new jobs and become an additional source of income for local budgets.
Creation of a “school of akims” to improve the quality of public administration
To improve the efficiency of local authorities, the president proposed creating a "school of akims" where regional leaders will be trained. This educational institution will focus on developing management skills, introducing innovative approaches in public administration and solving urgent problems at the local level.
According to Tokayev, such a school will help raise the level of qualifications of civil servants and improve the quality of services provided to citizens.
Construction of nuclear power plants
Tokayev supported plans to build nuclear power plants in Kazakhstan. In his opinion, they will help provide the country with the necessary energy resources and reduce dependence on imports.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said that an agreement on the construction of the first nuclear power plant in the Almaty region will be signed in the coming months . An analysis is also being conducted to select sites for the construction of the second and third nuclear power plants. These projects will be an important part of the country's energy supply strategy for the future.
Tax reform
The government announced an increase in VAT, as well as a reduction in the threshold for VAT registration to 15 million tenge. This means that most small and medium-sized enterprises in the country will be registered for this tax. At the same time, employers will have their social tax and mandatory pension payments reduced.
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Cover: Akorda press service