The small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs) sector is growing in Kazakhstan. The number of SMEs in the
country increased by almost three percent and reached 2.18 million, with more
than two million of them currently operating, according to the Bureau of
National Statistics. It is noteworthy that entrepreneurs produced over 16
trillion tenge worth of products in the first quarter of 2024, which is a 22
percent increase compared to the same period of 2023. Thus, the share of SMEs
in the country’s GDP amounted to about 38 percent. Currently, the largest
number of SMEs in Kazakhstan is represented by individual entrepreneurs and
farm enterprises. Notably, the largest share of operating SMEs is registered in
the Turkistan, Kostanai, and Ulytau regions, with enterprises operating in
trade, repair, agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Significant contribution to
output is also made by manufacturing and construction enterprises.
