Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: Goal is to Strengthen Economy and Sovereignty

Kazakhstan has reached a significant milestone in its sovereign development, marked by broad structural reforms, economic modernization, and a renewed emphasis on institutional strength, according to national announcements. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted these developments while extending national holiday greetings to citizens, framing the country's trajectory around domestic economic reinforcement and international sovereignty according to Qazinform and Jen.

The strategic roadmap focuses heavily on modernizing public administration, expanding technological capabilities such as artificial intelligence, and upgrading infrastructure across multiple sectors, The Astana Times reports. Authorities have pointed to continuous efforts in manufacturing, transport, and agricultural growth as foundational to raising living standards. President Tokayev noted that the country has established itself as a mature state with a strong economy and a progressive society, functioning as a respected middle power.

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Recent years have tested the nation's resilience through severe natural disasters, including widespread spring floods that impacted numerous regions. Emergency services, military personnel, and volunteer networks mobilized extensively during the crisis, which exposed vulnerabilities in regional water management, The Astana Times noted. In response, legislative bodies have reviewed a new Water Code alongside plans to construct and reconstruct dozens of reservoirs and modernize irrigation canals by the end of the decade. The state also established the Kazakh National University of Water Management and Irrigation to address water specialist shortages and bolster research.

Public engagement has also been driven by environmental initiatives like Taza Kazakhstan, which has seen millions of citizens participate in waste collection and tree planting, The Astana Times stated. Meanwhile, economic management faces scrutiny over currency fluctuations and the performance of the Cabinet of Ministers. Tokayev remarked that existing growth figures require acceleration, urging economic leaders to rely on hands-on expertise within the real economy, and described the performance of current economic leadership as mediocre, demanding professionals with real-world experience rather than international financial rhetoric.

The nation's economic landscape reflects substantial multi-sector activity across manufacturing, petrochemical, mining, and metallurgical industries. Social programs have expanded, including payments under the National Fund for Children, alongside increased funding for science, education, and civil service salaries.

Looking ahead, several administrative decisions and research studies are approaching pivotal deadlines, The Astana Times noted. Parliament and the government are set to finalize a comprehensive study evaluating the impact of the unified time zone on daily life and the broader economy, with concrete proposals anticipated following further public hearings. Additionally, an expanded government meeting will soon convene to summarize annual results, and an ongoing investigation into a tragic plane crash involving an Azerbaijani airline continues with the assistance of international experts.