Kazakh President Tokayev emphasizes law, order, and economic progress in annual speech

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered his annual state-of-the-nation address on Monday, laying out a comprehensive roadmap for Kazakhstan’s future under the theme “Just Kazakhstan: Law and Order, Economic Growth, Public Optimism.” His speech highlighted key goals centered on sustainable socio-economic development and introduced significant policy initiatives.

One of the most notable announcements was the upcoming nationwide referendum scheduled for Oct. 6, where citizens will vote on the construction of a nuclear power plant. “The upcoming referendum will be another manifestation of a broad national dialogue and a vivid example of the implementation of the concept of a ‘listening state,’” Tokayev said. He emphasized that this step would further Kazakhstan’s evolving socio-political culture, setting new standards for key state decisions.

In his address, Tokayev underscored recent legislative achievements, noting that 102 laws were passed in the latest parliamentary session. These laws tackle various issues, including combating human trafficking and enhancing child protection. New legal measures to strengthen punishments for violence against women and children were also highlighted.

Looking ahead, the President outlined new priorities, focusing on rectifying imbalances between monetary and fiscal policies through tax reforms and improving the investment climate. He called for a new banking law aimed at stimulating economic activity and advancing the fintech sector. Tokayev also proposed accelerating the transition of tax processes to an electronic format to reduce corruption risks and increase transparency. He set a target to raise the share of medium-sized businesses in the economy from 7% to 15% by 2029.

President Tokayev also addressed the importance of bolstering Kazakhstan’s industrial potential, particularly through significant projects in the petrochemical and gas supply industries. Infrastructure development, especially in energy and transport, was identified as a crucial priority. “Kazakhstan’s location in the heart of Eurasia is our competitive advantage,” Tokayev remarked, stressing the importance of ongoing investments in transport infrastructure. He also emphasized the need for modernizing the energy and utility sectors, upgrading highways, and developing air hubs.

Digitalization featured prominently in the President’s agenda, with plans to integrate artificial intelligence into the e-government platform and establish a National AI Centre in Astana by next year. Tokayev highlighted the strategic importance of completing a fibre-optic line across the Caspian Sea by 2025 as part of Kazakhstan’s digital transformation.

Reaffirming his commitment to law and order, President Tokayev declared that making Kazakhstan a comfortable and safe place to live is one of his main tasks. He highlighted ongoing political reforms aimed at building a just society, including the full implementation of direct elections for village, district, and city akims (local governors) by next year.

The President also called for strengthening the national workforce, developing a unified state healthcare package, and addressing environmental challenges through a nationwide reforestation movement. “Forest regeneration is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the country’s continued sustainable socio-economic progress,” Tokayev stated.

On the international front, Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s dedication to a peaceful and balanced foreign policy, grounded in broad multilateral cooperation in line with the UN Charter.

Concluding his address, President Tokayev emphasized that the state’s primary task is to genuinely improve the well-being of the people. “We have a clear vision of our state’s long-term development. To achieve our goals, we must uphold unity, mutual support, and respect,” he concluded.