Address of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to the People of Kazakhstan: “Key Priorities for Kazakhstan in a New Historical Cycle”
Key Highlights
In his Address to the People of Kazakhstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined the key challenges facing the country in the new historical cycle and identified the strategic priorities for its development.
The overarching goal is to build a technologically advanced, strong and competitive Kazakhstan with modern infrastructure and a high standard of living.
Investment and the Economy
Kazakhstan must embark on a new investment cycle. Public funding should serve as a catalyst for attracting private capital. The Government has been tasked with mobilizing long-term financing from banks, development institutions, international financial organizations and the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund (UAPF).
Particular attention will be paid to developing the capital market and establishing a unified national financial ecosystem. The Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE), the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and Alatau City are expected to work in close partnership.
Investment policy and investor protection mechanisms will continue to be improved. Plans include establishing an investment court in Alatau City based on the English common law model. Relevant legislative amendments are to be submitted by the end of January 2027.
Infrastructure and Construction
Kazakhstan is entering a period of large-scale modernization of its civil infrastructure. This will involve the construction and modernization of highways, railways, bridges, utility networks, energy facilities, schools, hospitals, and sports and cultural facilities.
The President emphasized that public investment must help attract private capital, while infrastructure projects should facilitate the launch of new production facilities and create jobs.
Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
The proposed measures include expanding the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in public and quasi-public sector procurement, reserving a share of procurement opportunities for SMEs, and easing supplier requirements.
The President also proposed discussing a three-year moratorium on business inspections starting on 1 January 2027. The initiative is intended to overhaul the regulatory and supervisory system and facilitate the transition to digital regulation.
The President further instructed the Government to continue decriminalizing economic offences.
Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence
Kazakhstan must move beyond basic automation towards a fully developed digital economy. Key priorities include artificial intelligence, digital platforms, blockchain, asset tokenization, digital employment and the development of data centres.
The strategic goal is to create a “people-centred digital economy” in which digital technologies expand opportunities for citizens to work, start businesses and attract capital, regardless of where they live.
Taxation
The tax system must become more transparent and predictable for businesses. The President instructed the Government to eliminate contradictions and ambiguities in the provisions of the new Tax Code and reduce excessive tax burdens that hinder investment and job creation.
A separate proposal calls for discussions on introducing a higher tax rate for individuals with substantial wealth.
Conclusion
The country's next stage of development will involve large-scale infrastructure modernization, a new investment cycle, the development of logistics and energy infrastructure, digital transformation, support for businesses, and the creation of favourable conditions for long-term economic growth.
The overarching vision is to build a Just, Strong, Clean and Progressive Kazakhstan and lay the foundation for its sustainable development in the years ahead.
Source: https://t.me/aqorda_resmi
