Head of state holds meeting with big business representatives

The “Akorda” residence hosted a meeting between the President and representatives of the country's business community.

In his speech, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that the purpose of today's event is to discuss the role of domestic entrepreneurship in the further development of the state.

– In my Address to the people of Kazakhstan, I emphasized the invariability of the basic goal of our economic policy – ​​the qualitative and inclusive growth of the welfare of the whole country. This goal can only be achieved through building a free and efficient market economy. The leading role of the state in the economy and, moreover, state intervention in business affairs should and will become a thing of the past. The duty of the state is to promote law-abiding business both within the country and in international markets, the Head of State said.

According to the told, work will continue on the de-monopolization of the economy and the opening of markets.

– The competitive field will be leveled - there will no longer be any personalized preferences. Doing honest business in Kazakhstan should be profitable and safe for anyone. Regardless of connections in the state apparatus and patronage on their part. This is the basic setting. We will develop small and medium-sized businesses, nurture a new wave of entrepreneurs, encourage the development of fresh ideas, new meanings. At the same time, the state will not refuse to support large, established businesses. On the contrary, it is from you that we, first of all, expect creative participation in building a Fair Kazakhstan, the President emphasized.

He briefed business representatives on a number of decisions to achieve these goals. In particular, tax policy and tax administration will be radically reloaded.

- In 2024, a new Tax Code will come into force. Business will be directly involved in its development. This is my instruction to the Government. Starting from 2024, "regulation from a clean slate" will be launched. This will save the business from excessive administrative pressure. Approaches to public procurement and the model of public-private partnership will be completely revised, legislation on subsoil use will be improved, - said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The President considers it important to review approaches to sectoral policies, including the development of the agro-industrial complex, the construction industry, and the transport and logistics sector.

– As you can see, we have a huge field of work ahead of us, which can be dealt with only by combining the efforts of the authorities, society and business. At the same time, I reaffirm that the principles of interaction between the state and business, which I expressed during our meeting on January 21, remain the same. Let me remind you that this is fair competition, transparency of decisions made, predictability of state policy, tax honesty of business, social responsibility of entrepreneurs,” the Head of State said.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged representatives of big business not to stand aside from solving social problems of concern to society.

- Investments in human capital are no less important: the construction of modern kindergartens, comfortable schools, hospitals, strong universities, and the development of tourism. We also count on charitable actions from your side. Now in the country there is an acute problem of lack of schools, student hostels, sports facilities for young people. Your help would be of great importance for the country, the President emphasized.

In conclusion, the Head of State noted the importance of continuing a constructive dialogue between government and business.