In 2024, Kazakhstan laid a solid foundation
for its five-year development plan and enhanced its position on the
international stage. Despite facing challenges throughout the year, the
government continued implementing necessary reforms. President Kassym-Jomart
Tokayev evaluated the year’s key domestic and foreign policy events in an
extensive interview with the Ana Tili newspaper. He reviewed the year’s
outcomes and outlined priorities and future plans, which include an extended
Government meeting and the execution of projects under the National
Infrastructure Plan. The latter, comprising 200 projects with investments
exceeding 40 trillion tenge, was adopted last year and is set for completion by
2029.
«This year, the construction of the second
tracks of the Dostyk–Moyinty railway section, and the bypass railway line for
Almaty station will be completed. Major energy sector projects are planned as
well, with a significant boost in green energy. Special attention is paid to
oil refining and the development of petrochemicals. The main gas pipeline
Taldykorgan–Usharal, the fourth string of the Zhanaozen–Aktau gas pipeline, and
the automated gas distribution station in the Atyrau region are expected to begin
operation. The development of the machine-building industry will continue,» Tokayev
said.
Housing construction, social
infrastructure, and the digital sector will continue to develop. According to
the President, the international artificial intelligence (AI) center, Alem.AI,
is scheduled to open by the end of the year. This center aims to attract
investment and implement the best global practices and innovations.
Additionally, work is underway to develop a specialized AI training program and
establish a dedicated law to regulate AI.
«Our citizens are well aware of the
advantages of digitalized public services. The list of services available on
the e-government website is constantly expanding. According to the UN ranking,
Kazakhstan is ranked 24th globally for e-government development. It is also
encouraging that the export of IT services from Kazakhstan is steadily
increasing. The Astana Hub is functioning successfully. The goal of
transforming Kazakhstan into one of the largest digital hubs in the Eurasian
region is entirely achievable,» the President noted.
In this interview, Tokayev highlighted
Kazakhstan’s role in integrating the Turkic world and strengthening ties with
fraternal nations. He emphasized that Kazakhstan played a founding role in the
Organization of Turkic States (OTS). During its chairmanship in the OTS,
Kazakhstan focused on enhancing cooperation across political, trade, economic,
transportation, logistics, cultural, and humanitarian sectors. The country
spearheaded several large-scale projects and hosted over 80 events, including
the fifth World Nomad Games in Astana. Close ties have also been established
between educational and academic institutions, as well as among the creative
community. In terms of trade, the volume of mutual exchange between the OTS member
countries exceeded $45 billion in 2024. The states are crucial to the
Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and are looking to build a
comprehensive partnership in sectors such as energy, industry, agriculture, and
digitalization.
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