I congratulate everyone on the opening of the next session and wish you success in your work for the benefit of the country!
A great deal of work was accomplished during the last session. 102 laws were adopted, including laws on public oversight, combating human trafficking, science and technology policy, thermal energy, and others.
Significant attention has been paid to social issues, particularly child protection. A law has been passed providing for payments to children from the National Fund. Administrative penalties have been introduced for involving minors in gambling. Penalties for any form of violence against minors have been tightened. A law on ensuring child safety and preventing and combating crimes against women and children has entered into force.
It’s no secret that many citizens now have multiple loans. This is a highly pressing issue that, without exaggeration, poses a danger to our society. Therefore, special laws have been passed in this area.
Overall, many systemic steps have been taken to improve the well-being of the people. You have been directly involved in this work, maintaining constant direct contact with citizens. All of this undoubtedly makes an important contribution to the realization of the concept of a “listening state.”
I express my gratitude for your fruitful work. However, we cannot be complacent – ​​much work remains ahead.
The people of Kazakhstan today live in a completely new political reality. Over the past five years, large-scale reforms have been implemented, and the political system has undergone a radical transformation. Fundamental changes are taking place in public consciousness, citizens’ legal awareness is rising, new behavior patterns are emerging, and new values ​​are taking root. A renewal of political and public life, mentality, and the nation’s cultural code has begun. In short, the construction of a Just Kazakhstan is underway, and, crucially, all of this fully aligns with the aspirations of the people. Therefore, we will continue to steadfastly pursue our strategic course and will not deviate from our intended path. Today, we will thoroughly discuss our plans and define our goals.
In the context of escalating geopolitical confrontation, Kazakhstan firmly adheres to the position of a peaceful, evolutionary path.
We have charted a new development vector, giving fresh impetus to economic diversification. Inflation has slowed, falling 2.5 times compared to last year’s peak. The country’s international reserves have exceeded $100 billion. The manufacturing industry is growing faster than the mining sector. It is important to maintain this momentum. We must launch a new investment cycle, effectively leveraging the momentum we have built.
The government and akims (mayors) must pay special attention to changing the economic structure and establish new mechanisms aimed at ensuring the country’s sustainable progress. The primary goal is to increase citizens’ incomes. With proper organization, this is entirely achievable.
Economic growth must be accompanied by a reduction in social inequality and a stronger middle class. Only then can we strengthen the potential of our state. To achieve this, efficiency must be the key criterion in any undertaking. Every decision, every project, must be assessed based on its benefit to the state.
Now let’s move on to specific areas of upcoming work.
FIRST. It is necessary to eliminate imbalances between monetary and fiscal policy.
It must be acknowledged that lending to the real sector remains inadequate. The issue of sufficient funding for small and medium-sized businesses has also not been resolved. This has a negative impact on business activity in the country, as well as the stability and sustainable growth of the economy. Therefore, the Government and the National Bank must work together to develop an optimal solution to this problem. Banks must be encouraged to invest more in the economy.
International experts rank Kazakh banks among the most profitable among resource-rich countries. Therefore, fair taxation of this sector is also a priority. Bank taxes should be commensurate with the dividends paid to their shareholders. This approach seems particularly logical given the government assistance provided to banks. It is also important to create a stable regulatory environment for the circulation of digital assets and the safe implementation of innovations in the banking sector.
We need a new banking law that meets the current challenges of stimulating economic activity and furthering the dynamic development of the fintech sector. The current law is almost 30 years old and was adopted in a completely different context.
It must be stated frankly that the failure to implement the revenue portion of the republican budget was a major miscalculation by both the previous and current governments. It is unacceptable for this problem to become systemic and hinder the country’s development. The government, together with the National Bank, must take effective measures aimed at the efficient use of budget funds and the limitation and strict control of expenditures.
Living within one’s means is the only possible recipe for the stability of public finances. Therefore, excessive spending on tasks that are not inherently urgent and strategic should be avoided.
Interbudgetary relations also need to be brought into order. The decision to retain tax revenues from small and medium-sized businesses in the regions was correct and timely. It provided a significant boost to entrepreneurship and increased the autonomy of akims. However, some regional leaders, having received an additional source of income, began to use it wastefully, without practical benefit to the state, on secondary tasks and projects. To find sources to cover the budget deficit, the government should develop rational compensation mechanisms.
I’ll specifically address the role of the National Fund. Its resources should primarily serve the interests of our state and be used to achieve strategic goals, not to serve foreign financial institutions. The National Fund is a vital instrument for ensuring long-term macroeconomic stability, and therefore requires effective management.
Clearly, public finance alone is insufficient to ensure dynamic economic growth. Favorable conditions must be created to boost business activity by attracting private investment into the economy. This requires, above all, a stable tax policy that encourages high-quality development and responsible business behavior.
The new Tax Code aims to reboot the existing system. It should aim to build a fundamentally new tax administration based on trust in taxpayers. It is crucial to simplify the Code and make its provisions understandable to all economically active citizens, thereby eliminating the possibility of varying interpretations.
Tax regimes need to be optimized without compromising the existing favorable conditions for entrepreneurs. The introduction of a retail tax is a good example. Businesses have embraced this regulation, have begun to emerge from the shadow economy, and fragmentation has been reduced. However, this regime should only apply to entrepreneurs who primarily work with the public.
Fully unlocking the potential of consumer services and trade can deliver the necessary rapid impact in terms of economic growth, increased tax revenues, and employment.
To achieve success in fiscal reform, comprehensive digitalization of administration is essential. To mitigate corruption risks and ensure transparency, the digitalization of tax processes should be accelerated. It is advisable to adapt all tax policies to changing fiscal conditions, including a revision of tax rates.
There is a pressing need to establish differentiated rates of individual income tax.
We should also abandon the punitive approach to tax administration. I believe it would be possible to increase the threshold for tax arrears, at which notices would be issued without resorting to forced collection. If the threshold is exceeded, restrictions should be imposed only within the amount of the debt, meaning that the entire bank account would not be frozen. For large tax arrears, payment installments should be provided without collateral. We should strive to completely eliminate scheduled tax audits. To achieve this, we will need to improve the risk management system.
Improving the effectiveness of tax incentives has become a pressing issue. Tax reporting must be provided for all incentives. Those that truly stimulate business should be retained. For example, incentives could be provided to investors focused on developing production. This could include a one-time deduction for the construction, acquisition, modernization, and reconstruction of assets. It is also important to provide incentives for exporters of high-value-added products; they should receive more support than any other business.
As part of the review of the draft new Tax Code, I instruct the Government and Parliament to conduct a thorough discussion. Complex but necessary solutions must be found. Rushing this issue is unacceptable. Therefore, I believe it is feasible to postpone the adoption of the new Code until next year in order to prepare this law at a high level.
The financial situation is further exacerbated by the persistently high share of the shadow economy. To significantly reduce it, a comprehensive set of well-thought-out measures must be adopted. Specifically, all work on border customs posts must be completed promptly, and the illegal diversion of foreign trade revenues to other jurisdictions must be prevented.
SECOND. It is important to continually work to improve the investment climate and business conditions.
In the face of intense international competition for investment, making decisions to attract capital “here and now” is paramount. Therefore, the Investment Headquarters under the Government was granted greater powers. This has allowed for the acceleration of project implementation in priority areas such as deep metal processing, oil, gas, and coal chemistry, tourism, energy, and mechanical engineering.
Efforts in this direction must be strengthened to prevent a decline in direct investment in the economy. I would like to point out that not all akims and ministers are adequately involved in the process of attracting investors. The government is obliged to make adjustments to this effort.
We need to focus on improving the quality of public-private partnership projects involving international financial institutions. I instruct the Government to identify a pool of large-scale turnkey projects that could be financed by international financial institutions through the PPP mechanism.
In May of this year, I signed the Decree “On Measures to Liberalize the Economy.” The provisions of this document are subject to strict enforcement.
The state’s direct participation in the economy remains high, which undermines equal conditions in the market and suppresses private initiative.
It must be acknowledged that we have not yet developed an optimal management policy for state-owned enterprises. The goals, functions, types, methods of financing, and other aspects of their operations must be legally regulated. Furthermore, stability and a systematic approach to the financial relationships between holding companies and the government must be ensured.
In my 2022 Address, I instructed that regulations be implemented “from scratch.” During the first stage of the reform, over 10,000 redundant and irrelevant requirements restricting entrepreneurial activity have already been eliminated. The Prosecutor General’s Office has joined efforts to support major investment projects, simplified conditions such as a “green corridor” have been created for investors, and economic crimes are being decriminalized. However, complaints from entrepreneurs about excessive control and oversight by government agencies continue to arrive. The government and the Prosecutor General’s Office must address the negative factors impacting the investment climate. Clarity must also be brought to the state’s interactions with capital owners as part of asset recovery efforts.
Last year, at a meeting with businesses, I expressed my firm position on this matter. We agreed that a mandatory condition for the capital amnesty would be investment in Kazakhstan’s economy. The most important thing is that these funds work for the benefit of the country. This point must be enshrined in law.
Entrepreneurs included in the relevant registry may be given the opportunity to enter into an agreement without declaring the assets transferred illegal. This is a major step in the interests of major entrepreneurs. However, the entrepreneurs themselves must accommodate the Government and the Prosecutor General’s Office in terms of allocating funds to the republican budget. And they must do so out of good faith, without haggling over every tenge. At the same time, as citizens of our state, these individuals are obligated to invest significant funds in the construction of schools, hospitals, stadiums, museums, and other socio-cultural facilities. The names of such individuals may remain on the “golden list” of philanthropists. If the process is delayed or refused, the conversation with such entrepreneurs will be different. At the same time, it is necessary to organize all information regarding assets returned to the state and their intended use.
The Government has been tasked with an important goal: increasing the share of medium-sized businesses in the economy to 15% by 2029. Currently, this figure stands at around 7%. At the beginning of the year, I instructed that specific decisions be made to support medium-sized businesses. The understanding was that a package of measures would be developed. However, they have not yet been developed.
Every business should be able to easily navigate and understand the various types of support available and how to obtain them. This will make small businesses more motivated to transition to mid-sized businesses. Currently, we have over 100 support measures, which can be confusing even for experienced professionals. Therefore, it’s important to review them for effectiveness and develop a single, easily understandable list of incentives and benefits.
Fintech tools can be used to develop small and medium-sized businesses; relevant proposals on this issue are available.
Attracting investment into the agricultural sector is a crucial task. Despite the floods, our farmers completed the sowing campaign on time, for which I express my deep gratitude.
This year, funding for spring field work was doubled. Overall, 70% of agricultural financing comes from the state. Commercial banks should also be involved in the sector. Subsidies have been provided to state-owned financial institutions to provide loans to farmers at reduced rates. This approach should be expanded to banks. This will allow farmers to quickly obtain the necessary working capital, reduce corruption risks, and simplify the loan process.
A critical task is a gradual transition from direct subsidies to affordable lending. All allocated funds must be used effectively. However, unreliable data, or, in other words, falsifications, make it impossible to assess the real situation in agriculture.
A special commission has already identified 2 million head of cattle and over 3 million head of small ruminants that do not exist. Similar cases have been uncovered in crop production. These are essentially falsified records, which were funded by state subsidies. This criminal practice must be stopped, and those responsible must be held accountable.
Land is a key element of the industry’s investment appeal. The Land Acquisition Commission has identified over two thousand illegal decisions by local executive bodies to allocate agricultural land without competitive bidding. There should be no ambiguity here. If land was acquired illegally and is not being used, it must be returned to the state, using a simplified procedure. However, if the land user is conscientious and has invested, then existing production cannot be destroyed. At the same time, the work to improve villages and ensure permanent employment for rural residents must also be taken into account.
It’s no secret that many landowners live thousands of kilometers from the land that generates their income and don’t care about the lives of villagers. We don’t need such landowners. The government and the Prosecutor General’s Office must take action against them.
The state faces the task of stimulating productive legal employment for citizens, especially in rural areas, so that they are directly involved in building their own future.
Last year, the “Auyl Amanaty” project was launched, showing generally good results. Now, within the framework of this project, the introduction of a new instrument—”commodity credit”—should be considered. It is also important to create an infrastructure for processing and marketing the products produced by villagers.
Centers for training citizens in cultivating various agricultural crops should be established in every district. At the initiative of the Amanat party, such a project has been launched in the Merkensky district of the Zhambyl region. The government and akims should consider expanding it to other regions.
Overall, the task of the Government and all state bodies is to open the way for domestic businesses and foreign investors. Obstructing their legitimate activities should be considered a very serious offense with all the ensuing consequences. I have already spoken on this matter. Entrepreneurs and investors, in turn, must demonstrate integrity, comply with the law, and not evade taxes.
THIRD. Systematic efforts must be made to fully unlock the country’s industrial potential.
The government has compiled a list of 17 major projects. The priority is the development of high-value-added processes. It is important to maximize the use of domestic raw materials and components and establish related production facilities around the giants.
I recently visited the Karaganda region and the Qarmet metallurgical plant. With the arrival of a domestic investor, the plant’s situation has noticeably stabilized, and modernization has begun, which should lead to a significant increase in production. As part of the economic diversification process, Saran launched the production of tires and household appliances, allowing it to be removed from the single-industry town category. This experience should be applied to other single-industry towns to breathe new life into them. Overall, it’s important to actively develop new growth areas in the regions.
As you know, this year, a special decree established the city of Alatau, which is intended to become a center of advanced development, attracting innovation and talent. The government should create attractive conditions for investment, living, and working in this city.
Positive results have been achieved in the automotive industry. This momentum must be maintained by consistently increasing the level of localization. State support provided to the automotive industry should ultimately return in the form of a fully-fledged automotive cluster.
The further development of the petrochemical industry is also a pressing issue. We have begun implementing large-scale polypropylene and polyethylene production facilities. Other promising projects are under development, including butadiene, urea, and terephthalic acid production.
Modernization of over 800 km of sections of the Central Asia–Center gas pipeline has been completed in record time. Capacity expansion and diversification of gas transportation routes are planned. Providing gas to the population and the economy remains a top priority for the government.
Last year, several gas fields began operating, and new gas deposits with a total annual production capacity of one billion cubic meters are planned for development. However, until these projects are fully operational, gas supplies to the domestic market must be rationally distributed, and a balanced approach to converting thermal power plants and residential consumers from coal to gas must be taken.
The government is instructed to expedite the construction of gas processing facilities in Zhanaozen, Kashagan, and Karachaganak. This is a priority. To ensure the successful development of the industry, effective incentives aimed at ensuring investment returns, including adequate tariffs and wholesale prices, must be implemented as quickly as possible. Such conditions are crucial for new investment in gas exploration. Otherwise, it will be simply impossible to provide the economy with sufficient gas volumes.
FOURTH. We need to address urgent infrastructure issues.
This primarily concerns the energy and utilities sectors. Standard lending terms for the construction of new generation facilities are unacceptable. Therefore, the government needs to consider how to ensure affordable long-term lending from financial institutions.
The government will need to clearly plan its tariff policy for the long term. This is a prerequisite for attracting long-term investment into the industry. At the same time, unjustified tariff increases for consumers must be prevented.
A national project to modernize the energy and utilities sectors should be approved by the end of the year. The issue of fostering a culture of utility conservation remains pressing. Starting next year, clear consumption standards should be introduced based on the principle of “the more you consume, the more you pay.” At the same time, consumers should not be left alone in their dealings with private monopolies. The concept of socially significant services should be introduced into legislation and regulated similarly to the processes of public service provision.
Given the growing global energy shortage, we urgently need reliable and environmentally friendly energy sources. Therefore, in my opinion, it is essential to pay close attention to the development of nuclear energy. This type of generation is capable of significantly meeting the rapidly growing needs of our economy. Currently, approximately 200 nuclear power plants operate in 30 developed and developing countries.
We must think about the future, taking into account long-term national interests and the specific circumstances of our country. Therefore, I have always insisted on the need for a well-considered decision regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant and a broad public discussion of strategic plans.
Every step important to the country’s life must be taken with the support of the people. This should be the case with the referendum on the nuclear power plant. I spoke about holding it last year, meaning the issue has been on the public agenda for a year now. I believe this is sufficient time for citizens to make an informed decision. In this regard, I support the Government’s proposal. The national referendum on the construction of the nuclear power plant will be held on October 6 of this year, and I will sign the corresponding decree today.
The upcoming referendum will be yet another manifestation of a broad national dialogue and a shining example of the implementation of the “listening state” concept. Essentially, with these steps, we are shaping a new socio-political culture and establishing new standards for key government decision-making.
Developing the transport and logistics sector is a strategic priority. Kazakhstan’s location in the heart of Eurasia is a huge competitive advantage. Therefore, the investments we make in transport infrastructure will certainly pay off.
We must leave high-quality highways and railways, efficiently operating air hubs, railway stations, and seaports to future generations of our citizens. A range of issues must be addressed in this regard.
Railroad reform must be accompanied by a revision of the tariff system. This is obvious. New tariffs will help maintain the railway network in good condition and expand its capacity. Kazakhstan Temir Zholy is implementing three major infrastructure projects to build railways with a total length of over one thousand kilometers. These projects must be completed on time and to a high standard.
The condition of our roads is a pressing issue. I’ve already spoken about this. This year, approximately 12,000 kilometers of roads are being repaired and built across the country, an unprecedented amount for Kazakhstan. Reconstruction of the Astana-Almaty, Aktobe-Atyrau-Astrakhan, and Taldykorgan-Ust-Kamenogorsk highways is nearing completion.
The medium-term repair program, which already covers 2,500 km of interregional and inter-district roads, is of great importance. These roads are in high demand among citizens. Therefore, I am instructing that this program be scaled up to cover at least 10,000 km of roads nationwide. Quality is, of course, a top priority. This requires greater use of innovative methods and cutting-edge solutions. To strengthen public oversight, a unified digital platform should be launched that will reflect all information on road construction and repair, including those within the city.
Kazakhstan must strengthen its digitalization achievements. Artificial intelligence technologies should be actively integrated into the e-government platform. Kazakhstan must become a country where artificial intelligence is widely used and digital technologies are developed. This is a priority for the Government. I ask members of Parliament to join this effort.
Next year, Astana is set to launch a National Artificial Intelligence Center, which will be open to schoolchildren, students, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
We need to continue working to improve the regulatory framework for digital assets and mining, and further develop crypto exchanges. We have entrepreneurs who consume large amounts of electricity to the detriment of the economy, but fail to pay adequate taxes. These are the ones who need to be addressed.
The project to lay a fiber-optic communication line across the Caspian Sea is also scheduled for completion in 2025. This is crucial for our country in terms of creating a digital infrastructure linked to international corridors and cross-border data flows. Overall, we must continue the active development of telecommunications networks and data centers, implement global cybersecurity standards, and enhance the skills of our specialists.
The development of air hubs is a key task. Kazakhstan handles approximately 150,000 tons of air cargo annually. This figure could double in the next four years. We must create all the necessary conditions to expand our airports’ cargo handling capacity.
The development of domestic air routes should be a key focus, particularly with regard to infrastructure at key tourist sites.
The runways of the Balkhash and Alakol resort areas have already been modernized. The potential of the Katon-Karagay, Zaysan, and Kendirli resort areas needs to be unlocked. Airports and terminal complexes with high-quality road infrastructure should be built in these resort areas. Small aircraft should be purchased using the Industrial Development Fund.
I would like to especially emphasize that when implementing tourism projects, it is important not to disturb the ecological balance and avoid damage to nature.
Next, we need to take a more focused look at irrigation systems and the water sector in general.
The unprecedented spring floods, which presented a serious challenge to the entire country, demonstrated the unity of our people. Volunteers and concerned citizens from all regions of Kazakhstan provided assistance to the victims. Large businesses also responded to my call to help. Thanks to the decisive actions of the state and the solidarity of the people, we were able to successfully emerge from this extremely difficult situation.
At the same time, authorities at the central and local levels need to learn the lessons. In the current reality, we must be prepared for any challenge, so we must learn to create water reserves by collecting floodwater for agricultural use. Hydrological stations must be repaired and modernized, and efforts must be made to conserve water as much as possible. This particularly applies to agriculture, where water-saving technologies should be more widely adopted.
With the right approach, irrigation, storage, and water use systems can become an attractive investment opportunity. Therefore, tariff policy must be regulated and effective support tools offered to investors. The government must begin addressing this important issue.
FIFTH. It is important to consistently improve the country’s human resources potential.
Providing the economy with qualified personnel is the most pressing task. First and foremost, we must overcome the acute shortage of industry specialists: waterworkers, construction workers, energy workers, and many others. We are also considering training specialists for the professions of the future. Work in this area has already begun.
The government is internationalizing higher education, attracting 23 renowned foreign universities to the country. Their activities must be supported in every way possible, including through a gradual expansion of state procurement for specialist training. The same applies to domestic universities whose educational programs meet modern requirements. Grants must be sufficient to ensure a high-quality educational process. Public funds cannot be scattered among all universities.
We need to strengthen the links between the best universities and the real economy. Innovation policy must be aligned with the country’s scientific and technological priorities. This will boost industry innovation and unlock the potential of applied science at universities.
Researchers’ internships abroad should also not be turned into a sinecure or “academic tourism.” Qualified personnel should be trained not only at universities, but also at technical and vocational education institutions. The government should consider the possibility of employing college graduates who have demonstrated high academic achievements in industry-specific government agencies.
Reform of vocational education is becoming absolutely crucial in terms of ensuring economic growth and its investment attractiveness.
I declare 2025 the Year of Blue-Collar Professions. During this time, we will implement reforms to the technical and vocational education system. The Year of Blue-Collar Professions will also promote the values ​​of hard work and professionalism in our society.
It is essential that those who have achieved success through honest, hard work always enjoy respect and honor. This is entirely consistent with our principle: “Responsible Citizen – Honest Work – Well-Deserved Success.” The values ​​of hard work and professionalism must always be paramount in our society. It is through professionals in their fields that a new quality of life is shaped in our nation. Therefore, we will continue to take consistent measures to elevate the status of the working person.
There is no such thing as bad work; any labor is honored. The most important thing is that every citizen fulfills their duties conscientiously, with a deep sense of responsibility. Only then will our country reach the heights of progress.
It’s not for nothing that people say that hard work is the key to wealth. Our society must develop an understanding that honest and responsible work will certainly be appreciated. Awarding citizens honorary titles serves this purpose, among other things. Such awards have previously been introduced for teachers, doctors, and cultural figures. This is a very good initiative, and this approach should be adopted more widely.
To build a competitive economy and ensure the country’s continued progress, it is necessary to consistently enhance the prestige of blue-collar jobs and specialists in various industries. Therefore, the system of state awards will include honorary titles for engineers, geologists, deposit developers, workers in the transportation, agricultural, and water sectors, as well as scientists and inventors. Recognition of their achievements at the state level will motivate all professionals and enhance the standing of working people.
Secondary education plays a huge role in strengthening the country’s human resources. On my instructions, the national project “Comfortable School” is being implemented. By the end of 2025, 217 modern schools are planned to be commissioned. This issue is extremely pressing and is being monitored by the Samruk-Kazyna Fund. The government and akims (mayors) must be actively involved in this work. I believe that members of parliament will also be involved. The government must establish a separate management system for comfortable schools.
At the same time, nearly 1,300 schools across the country are in need of major repairs. The government, in conjunction with local akims, must identify funding sources, including sponsorships, and complete the renovation of these schools within three years.
The state allocates significant funds for guaranteed payments, including those used to finance private schools. For example, this year alone, 134 billion tenge was allocated from the budget to private schools with over 250,000 students. Parents should be aware of the specific state support provided to private schools. To this end, the allocated amounts per child should be disclosed. This will provide the public with a true picture of the funds allocated for social programs.
At the same time, measures must be taken to strengthen the functionality of schools and further improve the qualifications and social status of our teachers.
Teachers are the country’s intellectual vanguard, laying the foundation for the nation’s long-term progress. We can have the best programs, modern schools, and a cutting-edge management system, but we can’t achieve anything without good teachers. Therefore, special attention must be paid to recruiting motivated and talented young people to pedagogical universities. A positive trend in this area has already emerged, and now we need to consolidate it.
Preparing children for school is crucial. Parents, along with the state, bear joint responsibility for their children’s preschool education and upbringing. Therefore, per capita funding for preschool education should be linked to each family’s actual income. Thus, further improvement of the education system will help those truly in need, increase the transparency of state support, and, overall, contribute to strengthening the country’s human potential.
SIXTH. It is necessary to implement comprehensive measures to strengthen the nation’s health and reboot the social support system for citizens.
The introduction of compulsory social health insurance has contributed to a significant influx of additional resources into healthcare and has benefited private medicine.
This year, nearly 3.3 trillion tenge of budget funds were allocated to the healthcare system. However, the impact of these investments remains questionable. Imbalances in the obligations of all participants in the health insurance system have led to a wave of fraud. Patients are often asked to pay for state-guaranteed services or to wait several months for them. This practice is unacceptable.
We need to create a unified package of basic state medical care, balanced in terms of budget resources and commitments. Anything beyond this should be covered through the insurance system. Such significant changes cannot be successfully implemented without digitalization.
A unified state medical information system must be created to replace the dozens of disparate programs and databases currently in place. It must ensure end-to-end control and data objectivity for all healthcare organizations receiving state contracts, regardless of their form of ownership. The government must urgently address this pressing issue and report on its progress to me and the parliament.
To develop domestic healthcare, we need to more actively attract resources through public-private partnerships. Unfortunately, advanced international practices in public-private partnerships have not yet been fully reflected in our legislation, leading to project inefficiencies and excessive budget burdens. We need to reconsider our approaches, and it’s crucial to offer adequate tariffs in exchange for investment. The government should develop separate regulations and rules for public-private partnerships in the healthcare and education sectors.
The shortage of qualified medical personnel remains a pressing issue. Addressing this requires significantly improving the quality of medical education, including by introducing differentiated grant amounts and distributing them based on the level of education.
As you know, I place particular emphasis on the development of mass sports. Without this, it is impossible to achieve the goal of raising healthy youth and improving the health of the entire nation. Recently, at a meeting with Olympic participants, I outlined key objectives and priorities in the field of sports. I believe it is time to update legislation in this area.
The relevant amendments will provide a powerful impetus to the development of mass and children’s sports and provide the foundation for training a new generation of champions. I believe that members of parliament should pay special attention to this important bill.
The state is consistently increasing social spending, taking into account the need to support vulnerable groups. Currently, more than half of the state budget is spent on social services. To support families with children, the payment period for childcare benefits has been extended from one to one and a half years.
Since the beginning of this year, special payments have been introduced for individuals employed in hazardous work conditions. A large-scale project, “National Fund for Children,” has been launched, with over 300 billion tenge from National Fund revenues distributed to the accounts of 7 million children. However, it must be acknowledged that support measures are currently being provided without regard to the actual income of individuals. They are often received by wealthy families who have no need for such assistance. We need to improve support tools to address this issue. I instruct the Government to implement a “social wallet” mechanism beginning early next year.
State support must be targeted to those citizens who truly need it. In other words, social assistance must be provided based on principles of fairness, transparency, and effectiveness.
SEVENTH. One of the main tasks is to improve the environmental situation and cultivate a caring attitude towards the environment.
We need to protect our country’s residents from the impact of negative environmental factors. Businesses must take a more responsible approach to environmental protection. The government and the Atameken Chamber of Commerce should take concrete measures. We must continue to widely implement the most advanced technologies in this area and establish a modern emissions monitoring system.
We will remain focused on preserving Kazakhstan’s unique flora and fauna. The government will take all necessary measures to protect forests and steppes from fires.
Despite Kazakhstan’s enormous natural diversity, forests occupy only 5% of the country’s territory. Forest restoration is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and the country’s continued sustainable socioeconomic progress. From the very first days of my presidency, I have paid special attention to this issue.
The country has achieved a remarkable rate of greening, which cannot be slowed down. The Semey Ormany Forest Reserve is home to the only forest seed production facility in Central Asia that meets advanced international standards. This project needs to be scaled up in other forested regions of the country.
The idea of ​​increasing forest cover must become truly popular. Serious public awareness campaigns are needed on this topic.
As you know, the nationwide environmental campaign “Taza Kazakstan” has been underway since spring. This creative initiative has united citizens. Over the course of several months, approximately 3 million people have participated in the campaign, cleaning up hundreds of thousands of courtyards and collecting over one million tons of trash. Thanks to initiatives like these, a new culture and a new social ethic are taking root in the country. One could say that this is true patriotism and concern for the Motherland. Through such actions, a new quality of our nation is being shaped.
This is not a temporary measure; this important project must continue year-round, because, frankly, some irresponsible citizens continue to pollute the environment and the streets. These people must be held accountable for such actions.
In other words, caring for a clean environment must become a daily norm for everyone. Our nation has many good qualities. For example, abroad, we are known as a hospitable and friendly people. A commitment to cleanliness and order must also become an integral part of our national character.
Akims (mayors) are directly responsible for the effective implementation of the “Taza Kazakstan” campaign in the regions. They must explain its immense importance to the public and organize its work properly. Regional leaders should not only focus on economic issues but also constantly pay attention to social, cultural, and spiritual life. Every leader must work directly with citizens and build a trusting dialogue. Then, people will support their initiatives and contribute to projects that benefit the country. This is an indicator of the akims’ authority.
EIGHTH. The efficiency of public administration must be radically improved.
Just over five years have passed since I proposed the concept of a “listening state.” During this time, we have succeeded in changing the culture of interaction between society and government. A sufficient number of effective mechanisms for expressing opinions and various platforms for dialogue have emerged. Direct communication between civil servants and citizens has become the norm. It can be said that this concept has shaped a new model of behavior for civil servants—proactive and open, and therefore more responsible and effective. However, to ensure the further development of dialogue between the state and society, we all need to be conscientious, objective, act exclusively within the law, and be accountable for our words and actions.
We see how public initiatives are sometimes hijacked by irresponsible, exalted populists who lack deep knowledge of the issues being discussed in society. This has nothing to do with democracy.
It’s crucial that a unified ecosystem for handling complaints has begun to emerge, allowing for a more accurate assessment of citizens’ needs and expectations. To improve their work, government agencies should pay more attention to analyzing complaints.
One of the citizen requests that the state has satisfied in recent years has been the introduction of direct elections for akims.
Thus, since 2021, approximately 2,500 village akims have been elected, accounting for 90% of the total number of heads of rural communities. In the remaining villages, elections will be held upon the expiration of their akims’ terms. The average age of newly elected akims is 46, and 60% of them have never held public office. Among them are entrepreneurs and members of various parties. In short, the ranks of elected akims have been significantly renewed.
Last fall, we began holding elections for akims of districts and cities of regional significance for the first time. Across all regions, 45 akims were elected under the new rules. After a comprehensive review of the election results and an analysis of the performance of the elected akims, a fundamental decision was made to permanently transition to the new system starting next year. Going forward, akims of districts and cities of regional significance will be elected exclusively through direct elections, which will be held as the terms of office (i.e., rotation terms) of incumbent akims expire. This is another important step in transforming the political system. Political reform is not a one-time campaign. If required for the development of the state, reforms will be ongoing.
The issue of improving the competencies of civil servants remains on the agenda.
All appointments should be made based on the candidates’ professional and moral qualities, as well as their performance in previous positions. The principles of meritocracy remain intact. Positive changes in this area have been achieved. All government agencies have been integrated into a unified personnel information system.
Now the Civil Service Agency and the Government must ensure the automation of personnel matters in organizations financed from the state budget.
NINTH. The ideology of law and order must be strengthened in society in every possible way.
The widespread penetration of digital technologies into people’s daily lives is accompanied by a rise in various types of fraud. We’re already seeing this. Therefore, in today’s reality, knowledge of the basics of economics and finance, as well as basic digital skills, is becoming especially important. In this regard, I’d like to highlight the “Qaryzsyz Qogam” project, initiated by the Amanat party to improve citizens’ financial literacy. Last year, the project reached 65,000 people, and it will be significantly expanded this year.
The government, in conjunction with financial regulators, must implement educational programs on the basics of financial literacy and digital hygiene in schools and universities. This will strengthen Kazakhstanis’ immunity to various types of fraudulent schemes. All authorized bodies are required to take decisive measures to combat fraud and related offenses that affect honest citizens.
A new draft law “On Crime Prevention” is currently being developed. Its implementation will require the combined efforts of government and society. Only then can the situation be reversed, the rule of law and public safety ensured.
All societies, including ours, demand basic needs such as justice and security. Full satisfaction of these basic needs is a reliable indicator of state effectiveness.
By consistently implementing large-scale reforms, we have significantly expanded freedom of expression and created opportunities for citizen participation in government decision-making.
Profound socioeconomic transformations and comprehensive measures to protect human rights are aimed primarily at building a just society as the foundation for our country’s comprehensive progress. Therefore, we will continue reforms and systematic work in this direction.
At the same time, our strategic priority remains ensuring the safety of citizens – a fundamental value for every individual and society as a whole.
In recent years, we’ve already made significant progress in creating a safe environment. Our streets and public spaces are free of rampant crime and lawlessness. Yet, in many countries, including some developed nations, a veritable epidemic of crime and disorder is raging. But we can’t rest on our laurels.
One of my main goals is to make Kazakhstan a comfortable and safe place to live. Law enforcement and relevant government agencies are tasked with ensuring the comprehensive security of citizens.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs is obligated to take tough measures against all offenses: from petty hooliganism and vandalism to illegal immigration and serious criminal offenses. There is no place for criminality in a state governed by the rule of law, so banditry must be eradicated. The same applies to the destructive activities of extremists, including religious radicals. Law enforcement agencies must demonstrate professionalism, decisiveness, and integrity.
Road accidents are a serious concern for society as a whole. Since the beginning of the year, over 1,300 people have died in road accidents, and more than 16,000 have been injured. People, sometimes entire families, die on the roads every day.
Road safety can be ensured by improving road infrastructure and implementing intelligent systems. This applies not only to local roads but also to national highways. The relevant agency should ensure proper oversight of vehicle maintenance.
It’s no secret that the level of driver training has declined; they’re receiving licenses without proper training in schools. I expect more decisive action from the government, akims, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This issue should be a focus for parliamentarians as well.
Maintaining law and order in the army, where young men serve their country, is of paramount importance. To ensure soldiers can properly perform their duties, iron discipline must be ensured first and foremost in the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Parents entrusted their sons to the state, so the leadership of the army and law enforcement agencies bears a special responsibility for their health and safety.
Another important task is the fight against drugs. Essentially, this is a matter of preserving the nation’s gene pool.
We’ve already taken the necessary legislative measures. However, no concrete results are yet visible. It’s hard to say that government agencies, including law enforcement, are working effectively. The drug problem is getting worse.
We must build a society based on law and order, knowledge, and pragmatism. The key to a nation’s success lies in the culture, solidarity, and creativity of its citizens, especially its youth. To become a civilized country, we must rid ourselves of destructive patterns of behavior.
I spoke about this at a meeting of the National Kurultai, citing five social evils threatening the future of our country. Since then, some work has been done. Laws have been passed to curb vandalism and gambling addiction, and so-called vaping devices have been banned. These steps are already yielding results. In the fight against these social vices, we must unite the efforts of our entire society.
Openness and tolerance have always been hallmarks of our national character. In many ways, these qualities form the foundation of unity and harmony—the core values ​​of our people.
In Kazakhstan, there is no and cannot be any kind of oppression based on any grounds, be it linguistic, religious, ethnic, or social. Individual incidents and provocations do occur, of course, but they arise from the irresponsibility and ignorance of some citizens. Such incidents are and will be suppressed by law enforcement agencies in accordance with the law.
It’s no secret that well-known, biased individuals, including those operating from abroad, are attempting to manipulate public opinion and making baseless attacks against our country. All these well-paid attempts to sow discord in Kazakhstan are doomed to failure, because we have never had, do not have, or ever will have any “phobias” at either the societal or political levels. We will continue to build a harmonious, just, and stable society.
We are a progressive nation and therefore we must look further and broader, rise above all kinds of provocations, show real examples of prudence, and rely on the force of law.
I’ve already said: we can’t constantly look back and look for the guilty, whether it’s the system or individual political figures. We need to know and study our history, but not look for reasons for despondency and resentment in it. From the events of the past, no matter how tragic, we must learn useful lessons. We must look forward with optimism, thinking about the progress and development of our country.
Therefore, I repeat: law and order must reign in our society. This is a fundamental condition for ensuring both public and individual security. Only in this way will we create a Just, Clean, and Safe Kazakhstan. To achieve this strategic goal, it is necessary to create favorable external conditions for the country’s peaceful and sustainable development. This is the task of diplomacy, which, in today’s complex geopolitical realities, must be highly professional.
Kazakhstan firmly adheres to a peaceful and balanced foreign policy. The primary goals of our diplomacy remain strengthening the state’s sovereignty and independence, protecting the rights of citizens abroad, advancing national interests, and attracting investment into the economy.
Kazakhstan convincingly demonstrates its commitment to broad multilateral cooperation in strict accordance with the UN Charter. Our country plays an active role in addressing issues of international security and stability. We support the efforts of the UN and other international organizations to combat terrorism, extremism, illegal migration, climate change, and other threats. We support UN peacekeeping activities and disarmament initiatives, and advocate for the resolution of armed conflicts through diplomatic means.
Under Kazakhstan’s chairmanship, Astana hosted important international events, including summits of the heads of state of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Organization of Turkic States. We are grateful to our allies and partners for their support.

Dear compatriots!

You see the fundamental shifts taking place in the world today. Amid economic, political, climate, and numerous other global and regional challenges, we are faced with a huge number of simultaneous, current and strategic tasks. Naturally, resources are limited, and no one promises immediate results. Many of the country’s problems have been building for years. We are openly and honestly stating everything as it is. And no matter how difficult it may be, we are addressing all issues purposefully and systematically. Much work remains.
Ensuring sustainable socio-economic progress, fully realizing the creative potential of citizens, and truly improving the well-being of the people are the main tasks of the state.
Patriotism is the overarching principle that should guide members of the Government, akims, deputies, and all of society. Every undertaking should be rooted in constructive aspirations, and every action we take should contribute to the country’s development. By carefully using resources, working hard and paying taxes, purchasing domestic goods, and investing in various projects, we strengthen the potential of our state, thereby benefiting our homeland and our families.
We must address the challenges we face pragmatically and consistently, without succumbing to pessimism and apathy. Not only the well-being of the people but also the historical destiny of the country in these difficult times depends on this.
We have a clear vision for the long-term development of our country. To achieve these ambitious goals, we must maintain unity, demonstrate mutual support, and respect.
Thanks to unity, our people have always overcome various challenges with dignity. This will continue to be the case. Together, let us make our homeland a just and developed state where everyone can find their calling and make their dreams come true.
We share a lofty mission: to build a Just Kazakhstan for future generations, a state of equal opportunity for everyone. As Head of State, I will make every effort to achieve this. I am confident that you will also work tirelessly towards this common goal.
May our sacred Motherland, Kazakhstan, prosper!
May our people be prosperous!