Kazakhstan seeks to create a more prosperous and egalitarian society that reflects western approaches - expert
President Tokayev's State of the Nation Address should be applauded in UK and throughout the western world. He is finally seeking to overturn the post-Soviet legacy of corruption, stagnation and state-ownership and has produced an impressive roadmap for reform by 2025. Kazakhstan is clearly open to western investment and knowledge, and is seeking to create a more prosperous and egalitarian society that reflects western approaches, Neil Watson, journalist and expert on social issues commented the Head of State’s annual Address.
In his view, the UK and western world should welcome the inaugural State of the Nation address by the newly-incumbent President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, which addresses the most important issues of concern in Kazakhstan on an internal and international level.
“After recognising the successful policies of Nursultan Nazarbayev, National Leader and First President of independent Kazakhstan, he stressed that the time has come to bring the country to the next level of development. Firstly, there will be a greater emphasis on developing a western-styled democracy, encouraging pluralism and dialogue between political parties, movements and the population at large, thereby forming a stable foundation for investments and international business. It is notable that the legislation on the holding of political rallies has been amended, and that Kazakhstan is being rebranded as a 'listening state'. Reform of the police service will see it becoming a mechanism of public protection, rather than a tool of the state”, Neil Watson said.
He also noted the concepts underpinning the rule of law are being amended to meet western norms, partially aimed at combating corruption.
“The law will be applied uniformly, evidence will be collected by the court, dispute resolution measures will be implemented, and the existing legislation will be rationalised to negate ambiguities and anomalies. This will play a role in fostering western business involvement in the country”, the foreign journalist continued.
Watson paid his attention to the corruption issues that are bravely tackling by Tokayev.
“He recognises that there is an issue and is looking to combat this from the lowest to the highest levels of business and society. In particular, business leaders will take full responsibility for the practices and policies of their organisations”, he stated.
According to the expert on social issues, President Tokayev is also setting in progress an impressive Business Roadmap, effectively using monies from the National Fund, the objective being to achieve annual GDP growth of at least 5 per cent by 2025.
“He is looking to diversify the economy away from over reliance on natural hydrocarbons, focusing on development of the knowledge economy and agriculture, and to shake off the Soviet-era shackles of bloated state-run enterprises. This should serve to enhance efficiency, innovation and attract western investment and joint venture partners. He is also supporting the role of SMEs in developing local economies, enhancing legislation and enhancing equal distribution of wealth. Furthermore, all government assistance will be carefully allocated to negate corruption”, he said.
Finally, the speaker made emphasis on taxation and business issues.
“President Tokayev is actively addressing taxation issues, seeking to eliminate the black and grey economies, fight tax evasion and modernise and streamline taxation issues. This will make it easier for businesses to conform, achieve the necessary levels of social welfare and security, and enhance equality. He also seeking to overhaul the banking system, eliminating capital flight, increasing levels of business lending and improving co-ordination between the Government and National Bank. As for reforms aimed at developing measures to enhance the role of Kazakh businesses on the world stage. Through the State Programme for Industrial and Innovative Development to 2025, this will focus on SMEs. There will be industrial sector and regional targets, and tax and other incentives. These should also foster an atmosphere that is receptive to innovation from the west”, Neil Watson concluded.
It should be noted that on the 2nd of September President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced his State of the Nation Address “Constructive public dialogue – the basis of stability and prosperity of Kazakhstan”.
