Tokayev Policies and Reforms
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan who has been in office since 2019. Since taking office, President Tokayev has focused on implementing a number of economic, political policies and reforms in Kazakhstan.
I have identified some of the key areas where he has implemented number of policies and reforms that includes:
- Economic Policy
- Foreign Policy
- Political Reforms
- Social Reforms
1. Economic Policy
President Tokayev has implemented a number of policies aimed at improving Kazakhstan’s economic performance, including reducing the budget deficit, increasing foreign investment, and promoting the development of small and medium-sized businesses.
Some of the key economic policies implemented by the government are:
Reducing the budget deficit: The government has implemented measures to reduce its budget deficit, such as cutting spending on non-essential items and increasing revenue through measures such as tax reform.
Increasing foreign investment: The government has taken steps to make Kazakhstan more attractive to foreign investors, such as simplifying business registration procedures, providing tax incentives, and improving the overall investment climate.
Promoting the development of small and medium-sized businesses: The government has implemented policies aimed at promoting the development of small and medium-sized businesses, such as providing access to credit, simplifying regulations, and supporting entrepreneurship.
Industrial policy: There has been a focus on developing key industries such as renewable energy, digitalization, and aerospace.
Improving infrastructures: In order to attract more business and increase the economic activity, the government has been investing on different infrastructures projects such as roads, airports, and other transportation projects.
These policies are designed to promote economic growth and job creation, improve the standard of living for citizens, and make the Kazakhstan more competitive in the global marketplace.
2. Foreign Policy
The foreign policy of any country is a complex and dynamic process, that could change based on internal and external factors and events.
President Tokayev has implemented successfully to strengthen the country’s foreign policy. The key areas where he has focused on foreign policy are:
Relations with neighboring countries: President Tokayev has sought to improve relations with neighboring countries such as Russia, China, and other Central Asian states.
Cooperation with international organizations: President Tokayev has emphasized the importance of cooperation with international organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Partnership with major world powers: President Tokayev has also sought to strengthen partnerships with major world powers such as the United States and Turkey, with the goal of promoting economic and political cooperation.
Global issues: President Tokayev has been promoting Kazakhstan’s role in addressing global issues such as climate change, nuclear non-proliferation, counterterrorism, Regional stability and security and Multilateralism.
- Climate change: Kazakhstan is a signatory to the Paris Agreement and has been working to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, as well as implementing measures to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
- Nuclear non-proliferation: Kazakhstan was the first country in the world to close down a nuclear test site and has been a strong advocate for the comprehensive and verifiable nuclear disarmament.
- Counterterrorism: Kazakhstan has been actively working to combat terrorism and extremism by implementing measures to prevent radicalization, strengthening its counter-terrorism capabilities, and cooperating with other countries and international organizations.
- Regional stability and security: Kazakhstan has been promoting stability and security in the region by acting as a mediator, fostering dialogue, and participating in peacekeeping missions.
- Multilateralism: President Tokayev has emphasized the importance of multilateralism and the United Nations system in addressing global issues, and has been actively working to promote Kazakhstan’s role in international organizations such as the UN, the SCO and the OSCE.
Kazakhstan, like any other country, is affected by the global issues and also contributes to them. By addressing global issues, Kazakhstan is actively working to promote a more stable, secure, and sustainable world.
Economic diplomacy: President Tokayev has been promoting economic diplomacy as a tool to increase trade and investment, and to position Kazakhstan as a hub for the region.
These policies are aimed at promoting greater cooperation and engagement with the international community, strengthening Kazakhstan’s position in the global arena, and promoting economic development and stability.
3. Political Reforms
Key areas where he has focused on political reforms include:
Increasing transparency and accountability in government: President has sought to increase transparency and accountability in government, such as implementing measures to prevent corruption and strengthen the rule of law.
Strengthening the rule of law: President has been pushing for the improvement of the legal system, to make sure the citizens can trust in the impartiality of the justice and the protection of their rights.
Promoting the rights and freedoms of citizens: President Tokayev has implemented policies to promote the rights and freedoms of citizens, such as protecting freedom of speech, protecting the rights of minorities and other marginalized groups, and promoting freedom of assembly and association.
Decentralization: He has also been pushing for a greater autonomy for the regions and cities, with the aim of making them more efficient and responsive to the needs of citizens.
Political dialogue: He has been fostering a political dialogue to involve different segments of the society in the decisions making process, thus to increase the participation and accountability of the government.
These political reforms are aimed at improving the overall political climate in Kazakhstan and promoting greater civic engagement and participation.
4. Social Reforms
The key areas where President Tokayev has focused on social reforms are:
Housing: President has launched a major housing construction program, with the goal of building thousands of new homes for citizens.
Pensions: The government has increased the pensions for elderly citizens and implemented policies to support the most vulnerable members of society, such as providing assistance to low-income families.
Healthcare: The government has also been working on improving the healthcare system by increasing the number of hospitals and clinics, and investing in new medical equipment and technology.
Education: President Tokayev has also been pushing for education reform, with the aim of improving the quality of education and making it more accessible to all citizens.
Labor market: The government has been implementing some policies to promote a more flexible and dynamic labor market, with the goal of creating more job opportunities.
These policies are aimed at improving the standard of living for citizens, especially for the most vulnerable, and promoting a more equitable society.
