Specialists of the Supreme Audit Institutions of Lithuania, Portugal and Türkiye, headed by António Martins, Vice-President of the Portuguese Court of Auditors, arrived in Astana to conduct the 2nd stage of the audit of the SAC RK in the format of peer review. The first working visit to our country took place in July 2024.

Many countries periodically undergo similar review on compliance with international auditing standards. An independent assessment is conducted by peer institutions from other countries, that ensures its quality and reliability. The review helps to effectively share experiences and improve the state audit level in the host country.

During the working visit, the foreign auditors held meetings with the Chairman and Members of the Supreme Audit Chamber, as well as key stakeholders and audit entities. In particular, with deputies of the Majilis of Parliament, specialists from the Ministry of Finance and the Astana Hub Technopark. Representatives of the Supreme Audit Institutions of the partner countries plunged into the detailed work of the SAC. They studied how the quality of audits is ensured, what principles the methodology is based on, how the audit entities are selected, etc. Special attention was paid to the internal control system, audit processes, as well as materials from actual audits. In addition, the experts assessed how the SAC builds communication with society and implements digital solutions in its activities.

During the meeting with the foreign peer review team, Alikhan Smailov noted that the Supreme Audit Chamber has consistently strengthened its role as an objective analytical center.

"In our audit reports, we try to move away from purely auditing functions and attach special importance to assessing the implementation of reforms in specific areas of the economy or individual regions. To coordinate this work, all members of the SAC have certain areas of the economy assigned to them," he said.

Appreciating the high rate and wide coverage of peer review, Alikhan Smailov noted that it is of great importance for the development of the state audit system in Kazakhstan.

"I am sure that your current visit will allow us to develop the most useful and relevant recommendations for improving the Supreme Audit Chamber work," he said.

The next working visit is scheduled for October 2025. It will be the final one and will be devoted to the consideration of the final report on conducted peer review.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/esep/press/news/details/976007?lang=kk