It has already become a good tradition in the run-up to the New Year, to reflect on the main achievements of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev over the past year. Today, I am pleased to present an overview of the President\u2019s extensive work in 2024, highlighting key transformations and accomplishments in Kazakhstan\u2019s political, social, and economic development<\/em><\/strong>, writes Berik UALI, advisor and press secretary of the president of the Republic of Kazakhstan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Over the year, the President conducted working trips to 11 regions of the country, visiting more than 60 industrial and socio-cultural sites and engaging directly with local residents. Furthermore, he participated in 41 major events, including forums, meetings, and sessions, and held 137 discussions with political and public figures nationwide.<\/p>\n In terms of the regulatory and legal sphere, the statistics are equally impressive. Throughout the year, the Head of State reviewed and signed a total of 3,979 documents, including 95 laws, 319 decrees, 81 orders, 28 meeting protocols, and 3,456 official documents (as of December 25, 2024).<\/p>\n On the international stage, 2024 was particularly dynamic. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made 23 foreign visits and participated in 19 multilateral forums and summits. During these international events, the President held 27 meetings with foreign leaders, 84 meetings with heads of state, government officials, and other high-ranking representatives, as well as leaders of international and regional organizations and business representatives. President Tokayev also received credentials from 22 foreign ambassadors and held 49 phone conversations with leaders of foreign countries.<\/p>\n Now, let me focus more specifically on the key aspects of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev\u2019s activities.<\/p>\n The year began with positive transformations in Kazakhstan. On January 9, the President signed a decree modifying the administrative-territorial structure of the Almaty region, designating the township of Zhetygen as the city of Alatau. This initiative set the stage for the development of Alatau City, a major urban project to be constructed between the cities of Almaty and Konayev in the coming years. The project has already attracted substantial interest from foreign investors.<\/p>\n I would also like to remind readers that during his visit to Singapore this year, the President met with potential investors to discuss the prospects of transforming the Almaty agglomeration into a free economic zone. This issue was also raised by the Head of State during other meetings with foreign entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kurultai proclaimed a new ideology for national development<\/strong><\/p>\n The Atyrau region was deliberately selected as the venue for the third meeting of the National Kurultai, given its historical significance as the location of the ancient city of Saraishyk. During this Kurultai, key values shaping the identity of our nation were emphasized: independence and patriotism, unity and solidarity, justice and responsibility, law and order, diligence and professionalism, as well as creation and innovation.<\/p>\n Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also called for the establishment of a strong barrier against five major social evils. In response, a law was enacted to safeguard women\u2019s rights and enhance the protection of children, strengthening criminal accountability for domestic violence and ensuring the safety of children.<\/p>\n Additionally, a law to combat human trafficking was signed. Legislative amendments were also made to tighten penalties for vandalism and public disorder, reduce gambling addiction, and ban vapes. Members of the National Kurultai actively engaged with members of Parliament in drafting these crucial legal reforms. As a result of these measures, the principles of law and order are steadily gaining a stronger foothold in society.<\/p>\n Example of unbreakable unity<\/strong><\/p>\n As you are aware, the massive spring floods caused extensive damage to the country and its people. A state of emergency was declared at the local level in 10 regions. I would like to highlight that the President responded promptly to this crisis, ordering the evacuation of residents to safe areas and ensuring they received the necessary assistance. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev personally visited three of the hardest-hit regions (West Kazakhstan, North Kazakhstan, and Kostanay) where he met with local residents, listened to their concerns, and addressed their needs.<\/p>\n No one was left without support. The state fulfilled all its obligations, providing both material and financial assistance to everyone affected.<\/p>\n In particular, commissions operating in the flood-affected regions inspected 19,359 homes and cottages. To ensure housing for displaced citizens, 5,767 residential homes were purchased on the real estate market, and repair work was fully completed in 9,156 houses. A total of 54.7 billion tenge was allocated for these efforts. Additionally, 2,680 new private houses were constructed in record time, at a cost of 64 billion tenge.<\/p>\n Furthermore, 36,455 families received one-time social aid amounting to 100 MCI (Monthly Calculated Index), totaling Support for businesses affected by the floods was also a priority, with 12.1 billion tenge allocated for recovery efforts. An additional 2.5 billion tenge was provided by the corporate fund \u201cDemeu\u201d to the Atyrau, West Kazakhstan, and North Kazakhstan regions for payments to affected economic entities. These funds supported The amount of state aid allocated to compensate for livestock losses exceeded 2.8 billion tenge.<\/p>\n It is encouraging that, in this critical moment, our people demonstrated unity and solidarity.<\/p>\n Growth of trade turnover<\/strong><\/p>\n At the expanded Government meeting held on February 7, the Head of State outlined key measures to ensure the freedom of entrepreneurship. These included fostering competition, reducing state involvement in the economy, and lowering business costs. On May 10, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree titled \u201cOn Measures for the Liberalization of the Economy\u201d.<\/p>\n In his September State-of-the-Nation Address, titled \u201cJust Kazakhstan: Law and Order, Economic Growth, Social Optimism,\u201d the President outlined the key priorities for the country\u2019s economic development in the near future. The government actively worked on implementing these tasks throughout the year.<\/p>\n As a result, in the first half of 2024, the gross inflow of foreign direct investments (FDI) reached $9.8 billion. The largest volumes of FDI were recorded in the mining industry, wholesale and retail trade, and manufacturing.<\/p>\n Between January and November 2024, the volume of investments in fixed capital amounted to 15.8 trillion tenge. To date, 134 projects have been launched, representing a total investment of approximately 795.9 billion tenge and creating 10,100 permanent jobs. During his working trips to the regions, the Head of State visited several newly established large enterprises.<\/p>\n Expansion of transport and logistics links<\/strong><\/p>\n The outgoing year has undoubtedly been a milestone for the development of Kazakhstan\u2019s transport and transit potential. On February 28, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev inaugurated the opening of the Transport and Logistics Center in Xi\u2019an, China, via teleconference.<\/p>\n Xi\u2019an serves as a vital transit hub in China, hosting the country\u2019s largest dry port. Approximately 40% of container trains from China to the European Union are dispatched from this location. Kazakhstan\u2019s terminal in Xi\u2019an\u2019s dry port, with a design capacity exceeding 66,500 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) per year, offers Kazakh exporters access to new markets, significantly reduces delivery times, and strengthens Kazakhstan\u2019s position as a reliable transit hub in Eurasia.<\/p>\n On July 3, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Xi Jinping participated in a teleconference ceremony to launch freight trucks and rail containers along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. This route connects China, Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and onward to Europe. It is poised to become a highly efficient transport corridor, both economically and in terms of delivery speed. Additionally, agreements with Uzbekistan were reached to expand bilateral transport and transit capacities and to develop the Trans-Afghan route.<\/p>\n Moreover, 1,400 kilometeres of railway tracks have been repaired, and ongoing projects aim to repair and construct 12,000 kilometers of roads nationwide. Key international corridors are being launched, including Taldykorgan\u2013Ust-Kamenogorsk, Karaganda\u2013Almaty, and Aktobe\u2013Atyrau\u2013Astrakhan.<\/p>\n It is worth to mention the construction of the bridge over the Bukhtarma Reservoir upon the Head of State\u2019s instruction. This long-awaited project, now completed and operational, represents new opportunities for residents of East Kazakhstan. The bridge enhances connectivity with the regional center for residents of the Markakol and Kurchum districts, who previously relied on ferry crossings to traverse the water.<\/p>\n The international development institutions have shown great interest in financing Kazakhstan\u2019s road infrastructure projects. For example, the World Bank has allocated $650 million for Kazakhstan\u2019s project under the Transport Resilience and Connectivity Enhancement Program (TRACE). These investments will support the development of the Middle Corridor, including the repair of the Zhezkazgan-Karaganda highway. Additionally, the Asian Development Bank will fund the construction of the Kyzylorda-Zhezkazgan highway with an investment exceeding $300 million.<\/p>\n Socially significant projects<\/strong><\/p>\n Under the directive of the Head of State, the national project \u201cComfortable School\u201d is making significant progress, with 217 schools under construction to create 460,000 new student places in cities and rapidly growing settlements. To date, 36 schools have been completed, providing education to approximately 43,000 students, 15 of which are located in rural areas. These efforts underscore the\u00a0 commitment to ensuring equal attention to both urban and rural areas in the development of educational infrastructure.<\/p>\n The national project \u201cModernization of Rural Healthcare\u201d has been advancing steadily. Thus far, 276 primary healthcare facilities have been constructed \u2013 99 completed in 2023 and 177 in 2024. In 2025, 125 additional facilities are planned. Additionally, the modernization of 32 district hospitals is underway.<\/p>\n Record harvest<\/strong><\/p>\n The President has placed a strong emphasis on enhancing the potential of Kazakhstan\u2019s agro-industrial complex. During his foreign visits, he actively promotes investment opportunities within this sector.<\/p>\n Despite the challenges posed by the spring floods, the country achieved a record grain harvest of 26.7 million tons this year. This success is the result of systematic government support for farmers. Preferential loans for spring planting and harvest operations were offered at a 5% interest rate, with more than half a trillion tenge allocated for this purpose for the first time.<\/p>\n Reducing import dependence on essential food products remains a key task. Several projects have been implemented in this direction. A comprehensive plan for the development of breeding and seed production has been adopted, focusing on providing farmers with domestically produced seeds.<\/p>\n Additionally, 120 billion tenge has been allocated to renew 8\u201310% of the agricultural machinery fleet annually. A preferential leasing program for domestically produced agricultural machinery, with an interest rate of 5% per year, has also been launched.<\/p>\n To improve the storage and delivery of food products, new warehouse and logistics complexes are being developed. In the coming years, storage facilities with a capacity of 700,000 tons will be constructed.<\/p>\n This year, Kazakhstan hosted its inaugural agricultural workers\u2019 forum, where key development tasks for the sector were outlined. It was announced that a special law aimed at preserving and increasing the population of Kazakh horse breeds has been passed, and the government has been tasked with establishing an Institute of Horse Breeding.<\/p>\n Successful initiatives<\/strong><\/p>\n Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared 2025 the \u201cYear of Working Professions,\u201d launching an important initiative aimed at instilling the principles of \u201cresponsible citizenship\u201d and \u201chonest labor\u201d in society.<\/p>\n As part of this initiative, a new healthcare-related law was introduced that not only defines the responsibilities of medical workers but also elevates their status and provides comprehensive protections as they perform their duties. \u00a0This development has been warmly welcomed by the medical community. For the first time, the honorary title of \u201cKazakhstan\u2019s Honored Doctor\u201d was established, with several prominent medical professionals already receiving the accolade.<\/p>\n This year, many distinguished citizens were honored with state awards, a positive tradition that will continue next year. It reinforces the message that individuals who dedicate themselves to their work will always be held in high regard.<\/p>\n The Head of State also underscores the importance of fostering a knowledge- and technology-driven economy. This commitment was further demonstrated with the signing of a law on science and technological policy, which outlines key directions and mechanisms for technological development, including the integration of scientific achievements into production.<\/p>\n Cleanliness starts with each person<\/strong><\/p>\n At the initiative of the President, the national ecological campaign \u201cTaza Kazakhstan\u201d was launched in April. In response to the spring floods, the President instructed regional akims (mayors) to prioritize cleaning and landscaping efforts. He emphasized that this campaign should adopt a nationwide scope, with the ultimate goal of fostering an ecological culture across society.<\/p>\n Approximately 2.4 million people participated in the campaign. Hundreds of thousands of courtyards and public areas were cleaned, and over 900,000 tons of waste were collected. Around 2.5 million seedlings were planted. Over 20,000 social facilities and 4,600 public spaces, parks, and squares were landscaped. Additionally, more than 5,000 historical and cultural heritage sites and 758 fountains were restored. Over 5.8 million square meters of areas around rivers, lakes, and other water bodies, as well as more than 8.4 million meters of irrigation networks, were cleaned.<\/p>\n Momentous choice<\/strong><\/p>\n On 6 October, during the nationwide referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP), the people made their choice. A total of 5,561,937 citizens, or 71.12% of those who voted, supported the construction of the NPP.<\/p>\n \u201cThis project will be the largest in the history of independent Kazakhstan. The construction of a nuclear power plant is a long-term initiative that will ensure sustainable progress for our country for decades to come. It will create opportunities for training a new generation of engineers and specialists across various fields. These benefits will be fully realized by our youth and future generations of Kazakhstan citizens,\u201d said the President.<\/p>\n Following the referendum, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed the construction of the NPP with President Emmanuel Macron during his official visit to France and with President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Kazakhstan. Negotiations are also underway with China. The implementation of this large-scale project, which will take several years, will be entrusted to an international consortium comprising leading companies with extensive experience in the nuclear industry.<\/p>\n Recently, the Head of State met with the Minister of Energy, Almasadam Satkaliyev, and instructed him to expedite the construction of the nuclear power plant.<\/p>\n International relations<\/strong><\/p>\n I would like to specifically highlight our country\u2019s achievements in foreign policy. This year, Kazakhstan chaired six international organizations: the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the Islamic Organization for Food Security, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, and co-chaired the One Water Summit in Riyadh alongside France. Our country successfully fulfilled these responsibilities, presenting important initiatives and contributing to the adoption of significant documents at high-level meetings. As an independent and sovereign state, Kazakhstan effectively promotes its interests in political, economic, and military security spheres.<\/p>\n Since the beginning of the year, the President has undertaken state visits to Qatar, Azerbaijan, Singapore, Tajikistan, Mongolia, France, and Hungary, as well as official visits to Italy, the Vatican, Armenia, Turkmenistan, and Serbia. Notably, some of these countries were visited by a Kazakh President for the first time in nearly 20 years, underscoring the Head of State\u2019s focus on deepening engagement.<\/p>\n In addition to state and official visits, the President made working visits to 11 countries to participate in various international events. He also held talks with the leaders of 11 foreign states who visited Kazakhstan on different occasions.<\/p>\n Throughout the year, the President\u2019s official aircraft covered a total distance of 158,983 kilometers. The time spent on airplanes and helicopters amounted to 245 hours and 18 minutes, equivalent to approximately four trips around the Earth at the equator.<\/p>\n Summits of prestigious organizations<\/strong><\/p>\n In July, Astana hosted the 24th<\/sup> Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit under Kazakhstan\u2019s chairmanship. During this period, Kazakhstan organized approximately 150 events at various levels, expanding the organization\u2019s legal framework with 60 new documents. The number of international organizations partnering with the SCO also grew, and the Special Working Group on Investments resumed its activities. Almaty was designated the cultural and tourism capital of the SCO for 2023-2024.<\/p>\n Kazakhstan also successfully chaired the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) this year, overseeing the organization of more than 80 events. One notable achievement during this period was the adoption of a unified Turkic alphabet.<\/p>\n A key highlight of the OTS\u2019s activities was the 5th<\/sup> World Nomad Games, which took place over five days on the vast steppe. Approximately 2,500 athletes from 90 countries participated in these competitions.<\/p>\n Press relations<\/strong><\/p>\n The Head of State has published a series of articles and given interviews to both domestic and foreign media. At the beginning of 2024, Egemen Qazaqstan<\/em> newspaper featured a comprehensive interview in which the President addressed the country\u2019s development prospects and provided a clear assessment of the January events.<\/p>\n Throughout the year, interviews with the Azerbaijani news agency APA, Armenpress<\/em> (Armenia), and Xinhua<\/em> (China), as well as articles in Renmin Ribao<\/em> (China), Le Figaro<\/em> (France), and Izvestia<\/em> (Russia), were also published.<\/p>\n The President held two press briefings during the year, addressing pressing questions from journalists. Following the national referendum on the construction of the nuclear power plant (NPP), he held a briefing with domestic media representatives. Additionally, on December 7, during a panel session at the Doha Forum in a Newsmaker Interview format, the President answered questions posed by CNN journalist Julia Chatterley.<\/p>\n The President also conducted 14 media briefings alongside heads of foreign states.<\/p>\n Since the beginning of the year, 814 informational messages regarding the President\u2019s activities, including his State-of-the-Nation Address, speeches, and statements at various events, have been published on the official website www.akorda.kz<\/strong>. The President\u2019s Press Service Telegram channel, one of the primary platforms for communication, has shared 7,804 messages, along with 1,801 posts on Facebook and 1,727 on Instagram.<\/p>\n The President also personally shares updates about his foreign trips and decisions via social media, providing an effective means of engaging with the public. Since the start of the year, he has posted 20 tweets on his X<\/em> account and 30 posts on Instagram.<\/p>\n In addition, the Presidential Administration\u2019s Department for Monitoring the Consideration of Appeals collects and analyzes public appeals, complaints, and requests directed to the Head of State. This year, a total of 49,069 appeals were submitted through this platform (as of December 26, 2024).<\/p>\n Of course, it is impossible to fully encapsulate the scale of the work accomplished in a single article. However, this analysis highlights some of the key events that have left a lasting impact on the country\u2019s development history.<\/p>\n Share this article:<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
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13.3 billion tenge. Another 21,876 families received compensation of up to 150 MCI, amounting to 9.9 billion tenge.<\/p>\n
40 requests from small and medium-sized enterprises. In total, regional commissions approved applications from
734 entrepreneurs, providing financial aid amounting to 14.6 billion tenge.<\/p>\n
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