Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has tasked officials with enhancing efforts to further diversify the economy, attract investments, and create permanent jobs, as reported by a correspondent from the Kapital.kz business information center.
“In November, annual inflation slowed to 8.4%. Due to the social importance of price issues, I request that this matter be kept under strict control. If regions do not take appropriate measures locally, I instruct Serik Makashevich Zhumangarin (Deputy Prime Minister) to report to me immediately for making necessary decisions. Additionally, it is essential to expand the production of import-dependent goods,” he stated.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need to take all necessary actions to implement the Plan of Measures for controlling and reducing inflation levels to maintain positive economic growth dynamics.
“Karaganda, Kyzylorda, Pavlodar, Turkestan regions, and the cities of Astana and Shymkent are showing growth in all key macroeconomic indicators. The lowest figures have been recorded in Atyrau, Ulytau, Mangystau, Zhambyl, West Kazakhstan, and Akmolinsk regions. The akims of these regions need to take measures to change the situation. At the same time, new approaches are required to activate socio-economic development in the regions, ensuring systematic coordination of the implementation of program documents,” the Prime Minister noted.
He highlighted that one of the key factors driving economic growth remains the active attraction of investments.
“We have clear outlines for further investment development. However, attracting investments is only half the task. An equally important part is the quality support of projects, addressing emerging issues, and ensuring their successful implementation,” Olzhas Bektenov clarified.
He instructed the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and National Economy, in collaboration with relevant state bodies, to strengthen efforts in supporting investment projects and to manually resolve issues faced by investors.
“I also instruct regional akimats to regularly address problematic issues at regional Investment Headquarters. To attract investments and industries with high added value, it is important to ensure the availability of ready infrastructure. Often, after the creation of industrial sites, there is a weak involvement from akimats in financing the necessary infrastructure. Regions that have the capacity to fund infrastructure from their own resources often wait for years for financing from the republican budget,” the Prime Minister pointed out.
Therefore, as Olzhas Bektenov added, regions need to account for the allocation of funds for the construction of infrastructure at industrial sites.
“Significant work is underway to reduce wear and tear in electricity, heating, and water supply networks. Sectoral ministries and regions must ensure the proper implementation of the 'Tariff in Exchange for Investments' program. It is also crucial to continue a balanced tariff policy, as it influences the price growth in related consumer markets,” he instructed.
The Prime Minister emphasized that relevant agencies should monitor unjustified increases in tariffs and prices for utilities while maintaining a balance between economic and social components.
“I instruct to ensure compliance with the minimum contribution to inflation from tariffs and prices for regulated services, as established by the Economic Policy Council. This year, the production volume in the mining industry has increased slightly. I instruct the Ministry of Energy to enhance measures for increasing the extraction of natural gas and oil. In 2025, it is necessary to ensure oil production at the planned volume,” Olzhas Bektenov concluded.