Dulat Zhukenov
Deputy Director of the Presidential Center
of the Republic of Kazakhstan
On the Path to Building a Fair Society
On September 2, 2024, President Kassym-JomartTokayev delivered his annual Address to the People of Kazakhstan during a joint session of the Parliament. The Address focused on key areas of the country's development and the solution to pressing economic and social issues.
Economic Reforms and Sustainable Development. The President outlined a new development vector aimed at diversifying the economy and transitioning from resource dependence to the development of the manufacturing sector. An essential component of this effort will be the launch of a new investment cycle and the continued fight against inflation, which has decreased by 2.5 times compared to last year's peak. Further economic growth will require attracting private investment and job creation, as well as simplifying the tax system for businesses.
Banking System and Finance. K.K. Tokayevemphasized the need to eliminate imbalances between monetary and fiscal policies. He noted that lending to the real sector remains insufficient, which affects small and medium-sized businesses. To stimulate business activity, the government and the National Bank will need to develop new approaches. One priority will be the reform of the banking sector. The President noted that the current law on banks, which has been in force for 30 years, needs to meet modern requirements and it is necessary to update it. Furthermore, the significance of equitable taxation of banks and the encouragement of their active investment in the real sector of the economy was underscored.
Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. The Head of State stressed the importance of developing artificial intelligence and digital technologies in Kazakhstan, as well as continuing efforts to regulate digital assets and mining. In 2025, the National Center for Artificial Intelligence will be launched. It is essential to maintain a balance between digitalization, human rights, and the guarantee of personal data security. In this context, it is particularly noteworthy that the President instructed the implementation of educational programs on financial literacy and digital hygiene in schools and universities, aimed at strengthening Kazakhstanis' immunity against various fraudulent schemes.
Social Issues and Education. In the sphere of domestic policy, the President drew attention to the need to combat social inequality, the importance of promoting the principles of justice and the rule of law, and called for strengthening the middle class as the basis for stable development. Special attention was given to the protection of children's rights. The Head of State highlighted the importance of new laws aimed at ensuring child safety, the introduction of payments from the National Fund, and the tightening of penalties for crimes against minors. It was underscored that Kazakhstan will continue its policy of a social state, prioritizing the well-being of its citizens.
The President also focused on human capital development, emphasizing the preparation of future specialists, particularly in technical and vocational fields. He noted the importance of attracting foreign universities and modernizing the domestic educational process. In addition, 2025 was declared the Year of Working Professions to reduce the shortage of specialists in critical areas such as construction, energy and water resources.
Political Reforms and Government Efficiency. Ongoing political reforms play a crucial role in strengthening democratic institutions and the legal culture among citizens. The President noted that over the last five years, there have been major changes in the political system, which has contributed to the formation of new social values and patterns of behaviour. Reforms in state administration and improvement of the efficiency of state bodies, as well as the election of district and city akims constitute the concept of a ‘hearing state’.
The President’s Address sets the course for the technological and economic modernization of Kazakhstan, with a focus on sustainable development and social equality. It marks the beginning of new reforms aimed at further economic growth and resilience, strengthening social stability, and implementing modern technologies. The realization of all these tasks set by the Head of State in his Address to the Government,Parliament and state bodies will require the combined efforts of all state and public institutions.
