The annual meeting of the Coordination Council on the results of cooperation programs between the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) was held in Astana.
The meeting was chaired by Vice-Minister Bauyrzhan Kudaibergenov. In his speech, he noted the importance of partnership with the EBRD for the development of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the country.
“Since 2013, we have been implementing large-scale programs aimed at supporting entrepreneurship, providing consulting support and creating new jobs. The “Business Advisory Services” program has financed more than 1,800 consulting projects, and has also organized more than 300 training events. As a result, enterprises have increased their revenues by 73%, with a total increase of 673 million euros. About 7 thousand new jobs were created, more than half of which were for women,” the Vice Minister noted.
One of the important achievements was the successful development of the “Women in Business” program launched in 2015, which contributed to the training of 846 female entrepreneurs. As a result, 19.7% of the companies participating in the program grew from micro-businesses to small and medium-sized businesses.
In addition, Baurzhan Kudaibergenov noted that the extension of cooperation until 2030 confirms the results and effectiveness of joint work, as well as the importance of inclusive economic development, which includes stimulating entrepreneurial potential among women, youth and rural areas.
During the meeting, EBRD Associate Director Simone Ze Atanasovski reviewed the EBRD’s plans to support SMEs in 2025. The main focus is on the development of medium-sized businesses, consulting support and digital transformation of enterprises.
The results of 2024 showed significant achievements: 2,380 projects were implemented within the framework of consulting programs, 78% of which were recognized as successful. The expected results include a 42% increase in turnover, the creation of 9.5 thousand jobs, an increase in labor productivity by 22% and an increase in exports by 55%. In 2025, the main attention will be paid to the development of entrepreneurial skills among microbusinesses and strengthening the investment potential of medium-sized enterprises.
During the meeting, the Vice Minister spoke about new approaches to the work of the Ministry of National Economy and the Government's priorities for further development of the real sector of the economy, strengthening investment policy, as well as stimulating business growth and expansion.
The participants also discussed the main measures to support SMEs, the nuances of the budget and tax reform being implemented in the country.
The Vice Minister noted that the Government's measures to increase the VAT rate, reduce the types of services subject to retail tax only for B2C, and lower the thresholds for VAT registration will lead to an increase in budget revenues, reduce dependence on the National Fund, and help reduce state debt and its expenses. Additional revenues will be directed to the development of infrastructure, the agro-industrial complex, the manufacturing industry, defense, lending for investment projects, and the modernization of the housing and communal services and heat and power system.
In general, Kudaibergenov noted that the ongoing tax and budget reform will allow strengthening support for domestic business and stimulating the flow of investments.
The main focus of the Government's work in 2025-2026 will be on business projects.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/948817