Kazakh government approved the first half-year plan on improvement of state administration, business support and investment conditions. The plan encompasses nine key areas with nearly150 tasks. Particular attention will be paid to the development of the manufacturing industry and the promotion of domestic products to foreign markets. For this purpose, the country plans to develop the concept of a national export strategy.

TIMUR SULEIMENOV, KAZAKH MINISTER OF NATIONAL ECONOMY:

Within half a year, Kazakhstan will launch negotiations on free trade with a number of countries such as Israel, India, Egypt, Singapore, Serbia and others in order to expand exports and improve facilities. Kazakhstan will also continue trade and economic cooperation with China.

Foreign investors prioritize processing industry. Over 9 months of 2016, Kazakhstan’s processing industry covered almost 80% of the total inflow of direct foreign investments together with the mining and science. In total, Kazakhstan received over $14 billion of investments in this period. The analysts say that the third stage of modernization will foster Kazakhstan’s inclusion in global production and sales chains, with a help of foreign investment as well. It will be boosted by the introduction of special business ratings for the cities. The leaders of the rating will receive special awards.

TIMUR SULEIMENOV, KAZAKH MINISTER OF NATIONAL ECONOMY:

To diminish the government’s involvement, it is planned to complete the privatization of enterprises by 2018, and to make largest companies publicly traded.

Another large-scale program adopted by the government is the national plan on implementation of the President’s address. It includes five tasks and nearly 70 specific points such as the development of transport infrastructure, technological re-equipment of basic industries, and the development of the digital industry. In particular, the program "Digital Kazakhstan" will be elaborated by June. The government also plans to adopt another strategic plan - "Kazakhstan’s National Technology Initiative" to be implemented by 2025.