ASTANA — Kazakhstan plans to expand AI in budget management, overhaul investment coordination, consider higher taxes on wealthy citizens, and raise the minimum monthly wage to 110,000 tenge ($242) in 2027 as the government moves to implement President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state-of-the-nation address.
Oct. 29 meeting chaired by Prime Minister Bektenov outlined action plan to carry out the priorities set by the president’s address Photo credit: Prime Minister’s press service The measures were discussed at an Oct. 29 meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, who called for coordinated action by the government and regional administrations to carry out the president’s priorities.
Tokayev has designated 2027 as the Year of Nationwide Construction, with the People’s Construction program expected to drive infrastructure development across the economy. In his address to the nation, he said Kazakhstan should become “one large construction site,” with large-scale construction taking place across all regions.
“The president’s address to the people of Kazakhstan sets a historic task before us to build and pass on to future generations a qualitatively new country with a strong and dynamic economy,” Bektenov said. He called on the government and regional administrations to mobilize available resources to build and modernize socially and economically significant facilities, as well as housing and utility infrastructure.
Bektenov also stressed the need to align investment policy, small and medium-sized business development, budget and tax reforms, digitalization and social support with the country’s long-term economic goals. AI to be used more widely in budget process Bektenov instructed the Ministries of Finance, National Economy, and AI and Digital Development to expand the use of digital tools and AI in budget procedures.
Tokayev identified this priority in his address, saying, “To prevent unjustified and inefficient spending, it is advisable to use the capabilities of artificial intelligence technologies.” He also called for completing the digitalization of the treasury system and establishing a unified approach to managing budget flows.
The government aims to introduce automated checks throughout the budget process, including systems to identify risks of misusing public funds or spending them inefficiently. Digital solutions should also enable real-time monitoring and auditing of budget data and transactions.
The Finance Ministry was tasked with creating a treasury information system and integrating government systems for managing budget revenues and expenditures. Bektenov said all public spending must be clearly prioritized, with an emphasis on delivering tangible economic returns.
Government to review investment policy and taxation of wealthy citizens