The IV session of the National Kurultai was held in Burabay with the participation of the President of Kazakhstan. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke on such topics as: tax reform, VAT, single time, small business, children, AI and national clothing.

The head of state's words are quoted by the Akorda press service.

Tokayev on tax reform

"The tax system is the basis of the entire state system. If there are no funds in the budget, the state will not be able to fully perform its functions, including social obligations. >…< It is important to comprehensively explain to citizens the essence of decisions that are essential for the development of the country. Not all people are well versed in economics or finance, and perhaps not everyone understands the same reason why the state is taking certain measures. Therefore, it is necessary to convey to everyone in an accessible language the meaning of the reforms being carried out."

Tokayev on VAT

"The government has presented new approaches to tax reform. The proposed measures are generally correct, they take into account basic economic and social factors. In professional circles, and in society, there is already an understanding of the need to increase the value-added tax rate. Although one can also hear critical comments about the proposed measures, in particular, on VAT, such opinions do not take into account the real situation.

There are many countries that, for various reasons, do not take on large social obligations. And in Kazakhstan, the social block takes up more than half of the budget.

Our state is social, so we will continue to invest in education, healthcare, this is our constitutional duty. But assistance should be provided to truly needy citizens, abuses and scams are unacceptable. Therefore, non-priority expenses will be reduced, the need for this is obvious. The government must finally decide by the end of the year how such expenses should be optimized."

Tokayev on “splitting up business”

The head of state recalls that various tax regimes, numerous benefits and preferences operate in Kazakhstan, which have created a semblance of a tax offshore in the country.

"Two main groups of entrepreneurs emerged – those who, using loopholes in the legislation, were able to reduce their taxable base, and those who conscientiously pay all taxes. And the second group of entrepreneurs, naturally, turned out to be less competitive.

The government has rightly drawn attention to such a phenomenon as the fragmentation of businesses for the purpose of tax evasion. Unfortunately, this happens all the time.

It must be admitted that the fragmentation of business was the result of omissions in legislation; this issue was not sufficiently worked out by both the government and the deputies.

Once again they chased after beautiful indicators: supposedly, there are more than two million taxpayers registered in the country – individual entrepreneurs and legal entities. But they did not analyze what kind of enterprises these are, where they came from, how much they pay taxes and whether they pay at all. But reproaches will not help the matter. The situation needs to be urgently corrected. This is my appeal to the government and parliament – the necessary changes to the legislation must be made immediately."

Tokayev on the time zone

"As for the discussion about the transition to a single time zone. The government and parliament discussed this issue. Special studies were conducted , which did not confirm the critical concerns of the public. I agree with the government and the majority of deputies, as well as with specialists: in our large country with a relatively small population, there should be a single time zone, which simplifies government management, helps optimize logistics and many business processes . I think that this is where the discussion should end, and, moreover, this issue should not be politicized."

Tokayev about children

According to the president, the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for the Protection of Children from Violence and the Prevention of Teenage Suicides will be completed this year. He noted that the authorities have taken measures to protect the rights of women and children.

"In 2024, psychological support centers for children opened in all regions. Important changes were made to the legislation. After the adoption of the law on combating domestic violence (DDV), the situation in this area has improved significantly. But in some remote areas, such shameful facts are still being recorded. The situation is aggravated by citizens who have fallen under the influence of non-traditional religious movements.

Local government representatives and public figures remain on the sidelines of the prevention of SBN. In addition, work in this area is currently regulated by different documents, it is not sufficiently coordinated. Therefore, I believe it is right to concentrate all measures within the framework of a single program "Children of Kazakhstan".

Tokayev on national clothing

"Our original culture plays a major role in strengthening our national identity, in which the holiday of Nauryz occupies a special place. A new concept for celebrating Nauryz has been prepared, which is now celebrated for 10 days, starting from March 14, that is, from Amal kuni. And each of these holidays has received a specific name.

Citizens have positively perceived this initiative, in particular, the National Dress Day has received a wide response. The interest in national dress has grown in society, it began to be worn in schools and other institutions, including large companies. Increased demand has contributed to the opening of sewing workshops, the emergence of new brands and stores. Thus, wearing national dress is gradually becoming a common occurrence. This is a very good trend.

Rather than dressing in black clothes that hide our faces, it is much better to wear clothes in the national style. Our national clothes clearly emphasize our ethnic identity, so we need to popularize them in every possible way."

Tokayev about artificial intelligence

"I constantly focus on the task of total digitalization and the widespread introduction of artificial intelligence. A new era has arrived, when, in essence, it is being determined which countries will be able to put new technologies to their service, and which will remain at the tail end of progress.

AI is directly involved in the radical transformation of all sectors of the economy and the labor market. The very essence and forms of human activity are changing. Against this background, a new phenomenon has emerged — the innovation economy, in which unconventional thinking, creative creativity, and social skills come to the fore.

The use of AI will dramatically increase the efficiency of budget funds, improve tax and customs administration, optimize government procurement, and simplify all processes of interaction between citizens and the state.

The relevant bodies, in close cooperation with experts and IT specialists, must constantly seek and implement new solutions aimed at reducing costs, increasing transparency and productivity in all areas. This issue is under my special control."

   

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Cover: photo by Akorda