Bektenov instructs to implement AI to fulfill the President’s directive on reducing the shadow economy’s share in GDP
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At a Government session chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, measures to reduce the shadow economy were discussed. Minister of Finance Madi Takiyev and Chairman of the Financial Monitoring Agency Kairat Bizhanov reported on the ongoing work in this area, primeminister.kz reports.
The Head of State has set the goal of reducing the share of the shadow economy in GDP to 15% this year. We must continue striving for a consistent decline in this indicator. We need a transparent economy. All government bodies and business entities must intensify their efforts in this direction. This work should not be limited to correspondence and reports. We need qualitative and comprehensive solutions in the areas of economic and tax sustainability, digitalization, and business simplification," noted Olzhas Bektenov.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in his Address to the Nation, emphasized that all sectors of the economy must be modernized through digitalization and the introduction of artificial intelligence - a strategic priority.
At the same time, digitalization levels remain insufficient in several sectors, such as trade, construction, and agriculture. All relevant ministries have been instructed to ensure full-scale digitalization.
As part of the digital transformation of the economy, the State Revenue Committee should become a flagship of digitalization among government agencies. Only systemic steps can create a fundamentally new service model of state-business interaction, stressed the Prime Minister.
The implementation of digital initiatives requires proper infrastructure and resources. In this regard, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development is instructed to establish a dedicated Data Processing Center for the State Revenue Committee next year.
Several digital projects in Kazakhstan have already proven effective. For example, cashless payments play an important role in combating the shadow economy.
Pilot projects using the digital tenge are being implemented in the regions - including in road and railway construction, subsidizing the purchase of livestock and agricultural machinery, and VAT refunds.
To scale up this project, the Ministry of Finance together with the National Bank must ensure the use of the digital tenge within republican and local budgets, as well as the budgets of state holdings. Report the results to me by February 1 of next year. To enable automated monitoring of the targeted use of loans and subsidies, integration of information systems and enhanced oversight must be ensured," Olzhas Bektenov instructed.
The completeness and transparency of customs administration significantly affect state budget revenues. The Ministries of Finance and Trade must strengthen monitoring of export and import operations. Updating risk profiles and creating green corridor transit conditions should eliminate the human factor.
In addition, artificial intelligence must be introduced in cargo inspection data analysis. This will help prevent corruption offenses and accelerate border clearance processes. The Ministry of Finance, together with the Financial Monitoring Agency, was instructed to strengthen coordination in combating the shadow economy.
Following the discussion, the Prime Minister issued a series of specific instructions to relevant ministries:
- The Ministries of National Economy and Finance - to prepare an annual expanded analytical report on the effectiveness of anti-shadow economy measures, including concrete policy proposals.
- To ensure traceability in the registration and re-registration of legal entities, the Ministries of Justice, Finance, and Artificial Intelligence, together with the Financial Monitoring Agency, must complete the implementation of an automated risk management system by November 25 of this year.
- To improve the accuracy of analytics and the quality of administration, information exchange between government bodies and financial institutions must be strengthened. The Ministries of Finance, Artificial Intelligence, and other government agencies must integrate data with the Smart Data Finance system.
Coordination and control over implementation are assigned to Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin.
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Kazakhstan mulls social media age restrictions
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Majilis Deputy Askhat Aimagambetov proposed age restrictions for access to social media during debates on the first reading of the draft Digital Code in the Kazakh parliament’s lower chamber Wednesday, Kazinform News Agency reports.
Aimagambetov stated children aged 5-6 use social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram without parental consent, verification, and other restrictions.
There is a number of countries where such restrictions are applied. For instance, Denmark and Australia introduced a social media ban for children under 15-16, while in the U.S., GB, and Ireland, parental consent and verification is required for social media. What is the position of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and the Ministry of Enlightenment? Such a rule can be introduced under this law," said Aimagambetov.
In addition, the Kazakh deputy touched upon the issue of smartphone use in schools.
Kazakhstan’s NIS, BIL and other top-tier schools stated their position, banning smartphones in schools. The ban has yielded positive results, leading to better communication among children and improved performance," he noted.
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Russian Su-35 fighter jets escort President Tokayev’s plane ahead of Moscow visit
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The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, will pay a state visit to the Russian Federation on November 11-12, 2025, Kazinform News Agency cites Akorda.
Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets of the Russian Ministry of Defense are escorting the President of Kazakhstan’s aircraft in Russian airspace, from the moment it crossed the border until landing at Moscow airport," the Akorda press service said.
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In Some Regions, Local Authorities Are Exercising Weak Oversight over Construction Progress - Bektenov on Railway Station Modernization
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During the Government session, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov addressed the issue of modernization and reconstruction of railway stations, primeminister.kz reports.
He noted that the work began earlier this year. In a short timeframe, contractors were identified and awarded turnkey contracts under terms acceptable to both them and regional administrations.
The Government has done everything necessary to ensure timely implementation of this task. However, as we can see, some regional administrations are exercising weak control over construction progress. There are high risks of project delays in the Zhetysu, Abay, Ulytau, Akmola, and Aktobe regions. In the Mangystau Region, work on one station is behind schedule. In the city of Almaty, modernization of the Almaty-1 station is being delayed. I consider this a shortcoming on the part of local executive bodies. All construction work must be completed within the established deadlines and with full compliance to quality standards. Personal responsibility for fulfilling this task lies with the heads of local executive authorities," Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.
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Bektenov Instructs to Prevent Unjustified Price Increases for Medicines and Medical Devices in the Retail Sector
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At the Government session chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, the issue of ensuring the population’s access to medicines was discussed. The heads of the Ministry of Health and SK-Pharmacy delivered reports on the matter, primeminister.kz reports.
As part of the President’s instructions to reform pricing mechanisms, the Ministry of Health has carried out systematic work that resulted in a 30% reduction in maximum prices for generic drugs compared to original medicines. Marketing and transportation expenses have been excluded from the price formation mechanism. Ministry specialists now have access to current drug prices in over 100 countries, which made it possible to adjust prices for 2,900 types of medicines provided free of charge or subsidized by the state under the Guaranteed Volume of Free Medical Care (GVFMC) and Compulsory Social Health Insurance (CSHI), as well as for 4,900 items sold in pharmacies. All participants of Kazakhstan’s pharmaceutical market are connected to the product labeling system, enhancing transparency in the circulation of medicines.
Work is underway to digitize the sector and introduce artificial intelligence. Integration of electronic prescription and drug supply systems into medical information platforms has reduced prescription processing time by half. Moreover, under the Social Wallet project, more than 10 million electronic prescriptions have been issued using digital tools.
The Head of State has set an important task - to increase the quantity and range of domestically produced medicines. To achieve this, a simplified registration mechanism for medicines and medical devices has been introduced. As a result, the registration period for new drugs in Kazakhstan has been reduced from two to five years to just 100 working days. This significantly improves access for our citizens to the latest medicines, treatment methods, and diagnostics. In addition, a new quality control mechanism for medicines and medical devices has been implemented, which includes selective market sampling and testing of products from healthcare organizations. This approach will help prevent counterfeit products from entering the domestic market," Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.
The Prime Minister noted that the Government continues to systematically support Kazakh pharmaceutical manufacturers, with the main goal being to reduce dependence on external markets and ensure affordable access to medicines for the population.
At the same time, risks remain concerning timely delivery of medicines, especially at the beginning of the year, due to logistical issues and lengthy procurement procedures.
For many categories of patients, uninterrupted access to medicines is crucial. Work in this area must be strengthened," Olzhas Bektenov instructed.
To address such challenges, active digital transformation of the sector is underway. An information system is being introduced to enable real-time monitoring and tracking of medicine availability.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need to build a system ensuring that every prescribed medicine is available in pharmacies, of proper quality, and at an affordable price. The Ministry of Health, together with SK-Pharmacy and local administrations, has been instructed to ensure timely procurement and uninterrupted supply of medicines and medical devices for the coming year.
Following the meeting, the Prime Minister issued several directives to government bodies and local authorities:
- The Ministry of Healthcare, jointly with the antimonopoly agency, must take measures to prevent unjustified price increases for medicines in the retail segment.
- The Ministry of Healthcare, together with the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, must implement AI tools in the healthcare system - particularly in planning, prescribing, and procurement processes for medicines and medical devices - and ensure prompt response to citizens’ concerns and complaints.
- The Ministry of Healthcare, jointly with the Ministry of Culture and Information and regional administrations, must carry out ongoing public awareness campaigns on medical supply issues, using mass media, digital platforms, social networks, and regional events.
Our goal is to make the healthcare system as transparent, fair, and accessible as possible for all citizens," Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov concluded.
Coordination and oversight of the implementation of these tasks are assigned to Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev.
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President Tokayev lands in Washington
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Tonight President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has landed in Washington, D.C. The Head of State was greeted by the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Kazinform News Agency has learnt from the Akorda press service.
In Washington, D.C., Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will hold talks with his American counterpart President Donald Trump and will also participate in the C5+1 + summit.
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Kazakhstan adopts core principles and priorities of domestic policy
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The Head of State decreed to approve the core principles, values, and focus areas of Kazakhstan's domestic policy, Kazinform News Agency has learned from Akorda.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the decree "On approving the core principles, values, and focus areas of the domestic policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan."
At the 4th session of the Ulttyq Qurultay (National Congress), experts and public figures proposed creating a unified guiding document to systematize domestic policy activities. The idea was supported by the President, who stressed that the document should serve to coordinate the activities of state bodies.
The core principles, values, and focus areas of the domestic policy were developed by the Presidential Executive Office in cooperation with relevant government agencies, based on the President's annual State of the Nation addresses and speeches, as well as the 2029 Kazakhstan National Development Plan.
Members of the Ulttyq Qurultay, experts, and representatives of public and scientific organizations actively participated in drafting the document.
Primarily intended for government authorities, the document aims to coordinate and systematize work in the field of domestic policy.
It outlines the following principles of domestic political work: "Law and Order," "A Listening State," "Different Opinions - One Nation," "Strong President - Influential Parliament - Accountable Government," "Adal Azamat" ("Honest Citizen"), and "Taza Qazaqstan" ("Clean Kazakhstan").
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