Borovoe, Akmola Region, 14 March 2025 - During the fourth meeting of the National Kurultai, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reviewed the socio-political reforms initiated following his March 2022 Address, highlighting the significant contribution of Kurultai members to the country’s modernisation efforts.

The President opened his remarks by addressing the tax reform, which has sparked active public debate.

“The tax system forms the foundation of the state. Without adequate budgetary resources, the government cannot fully perform its functions, including meeting its social obligations. The Government has proposed new approaches to tax reform, which are, on the whole, sound and take into account key economic and social factors.

There is a growing understanding, both within expert circles and among the public, of the need to raise the rate of value-added tax. While some criticism has been voiced—particularly in relation to VAT—such opinions often overlook the realities we face.

Many countries, for various reasons, refrain from undertaking large-scale social obligations. In contrast, in Kazakhstan, social spending accounts for over half of the national budget. Ours is a social state, and we will continue to invest in education and healthcare—this is our constitutional responsibility,” the President stated.

President Tokayev further addressed a wide range of issues raised by National Kurultai members, offering his views on public ethics regulation, countering harmful ideologies and fraudulent schemes, the ideological direction of domestic cinema and animation, improvements in women’s correctional facilities, and revising penal legislation relating to pregnant women and mothers of young children. He also underscored the importance of developing the vocational education system.

Drawing attention to gaps in areas such as onomastics, the system of state and departmental awards, the eradication of social ills, and the strengthening of civil society, the Head of State called for the preparation of a comprehensive policy document to streamline ideological efforts in domestic affairs.

The President emphasised the pivotal role of culture in reinforcing national identity and noted the growing public interest in theatre in Kazakhstan. He urged greater focus on developing regional theatres and encouraged business involvement in this cultural revival.

Ahead of the 180th anniversary of Abai Kunanbayuly’s birth, President Tokayev instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Otandastar Foundation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Information, to continue efforts to establish Abai Institutes abroad. He proposed that these should evolve into a global network of cultural and educational centres, akin to the Confucius, Goethe, and Cervantes Institutes.

In addition, the President set forth objectives to support the initiatives of the Kazakh Tili International Society, promote the inclusion of the nation’s documentary heritage in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, integrate the national digital archive into artificial intelligence systems, and intensify historical research activities.

The meeting also addressed key aspects of major investment and infrastructure project implementation. President Tokayev stressed that the state’s primary objective is to support initiatives that drive regional economic growth and address disparities in regional development. This year, funding for the real sector of the economy will double to 8 trillion tenge.

He underlined the necessity of efficient and high-quality implementation of regional projects in education, healthcare, tourism, and sport.

“Strong regions make a strong nation—this is a cornerstone of my political platform. In line with this principle, the Government has decided to retain the social tax within regional budgets. However, regional akims must ensure that budgetary resources are spent wisely and with a clear focus on socially important initiatives that directly benefit the population.

I am confident that the proposals and projects presented today will contribute to balanced regional development and the continued advancement of our nation,” the President affirmed.

In conclusion, President Tokayev reflected on current global geopolitical developments and shared his vision of Kazakhstan evolving into a resilient and influential state, capable of withstanding any challenges.

He emphasised the importance of having a clear vision of the achievements that will define Kazakhstan as it approaches the 40th anniversary of its independence. Among the key drivers of sustainable national development, he identified digitalisation and artificial intelligence, energy, the agro-industrial sector, and the development of human capital.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-pretoria/press/news/details/980434?lang=kk