Chairperson of the Senate Dariga Nazarbayeva held a meeting on measures to support Kazakhstan’s business during the period of economic recovery and post-crisis development. Vice speakers Bektas Beknazarov, Askar Shakirov, Chairman of the Committee on Economic Policy, Innovative Development and Entrepreneurship Serik Jaksybekov, Chairman of the Committee on Finance and Budget Olga Perepechina, Chairman of the Committee on Agrarian Issues, Natural Resource Use and Rural Development Ali Bektayev took part in it.
In her opening remarks, Dariga Nazarbayeva noted that the state commission for modernization of the economy has identified a preliminary register of backbone enterprises that will receive state support.
“In the current list of enterprises, so far, it’s turning out that lion’s share is construction and trading companies. Mining and manufacturing industries are minimized. Although the stated goal of the economic strategy is to strengthen the policy of import substitution. The issue of food security is the most important one and we must abandon the import of food that we ourselves produce,” Dariga Nazarbayeva emphasized.
During the discussion, senators emphasized that today it is necessary to update the system of criteria by which enterprises are classified as system-forming, to revise the basic concepts and approaches, because existing ones run counter to the strategy of the economy of simple things and existing economic realities.
Speaking at the meeting, Vice Speaker Bektas Beknazarov emphasized that state aid should be aimed specifically at restoring the agro-industrial complex. He also noted that the order on the formation of criteria was drawn up in 2011 and it was based on the Law on Private Entrepreneurship, which ceased to be valid in 2015.
“We need to fundamentally revise these concepts and approaches. First, food security is to be ensured so that the people are well-fed. We must move away from the concept of “backbone”. There should be other concepts,” B. Beknazarov said.
At the same time, an opportunity should be provided to local executive bodies to give their vision on this issue. Senators emphasized that state support should be targeted, selective, and the selection criteria for enterprises and mechanisms for their support are not universal, but should be developed for each industry separately, taking into account its specifics.
“The emphasis should be made on manufacturing. The list of enterprises should be reviewed taking into account new criteria,” D. Nazarbayeva said.
It is necessary to conduct an analysis, clearly define what obligations will be undertaken by enterprises that claim to receive assistance from the state.
“In no case should we rush with this list. While there is no clear understanding of the mechanisms and tools of state support, the legislative framework has not yet been prepared. Each enterprise that claims to be supported must not only meet formal criteria, but must also commit itself to publicly preserving and increasing jobs, raising taxes, and investment plans for the development and production of products that will cover domestic demand and export. It’s impossible without it, the time is different now,” Dariga Nazarbayeva underlined.
Following the meeting, an appeal will be prepared to the Government on behalf of the Members of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan with recommendations and suggestions regarding approaches and criteria for the formation of the Register of backbone enterprises.
