ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said Kazakhstan’s priority tasks and development plans would be outlined in his state-of-the-nation-address next week, speaking at an Oct. 23 ceremony marking Republic Day celebrated on Oct. 25. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivers a speech at a ceremony marking Republic Day.
Photo credit: Akorda. Addressing the ceremony, Tokayev said Kazakhstan could not afford to rest on its achievements amid growing global challenges and intensifying competition. “Amid current challenges and intensifying competition, we cannot afford to be satisfied with past achievements.
We still have much to do. We acknowledge existing shortcomings and omissions,” he said. President Tokayev also highlighted Kazakhstan’s economic performance and recent political reforms as the country approaches the 35th anniversary of its independence. Tokayev said Kazakhstan’s economy had grown by around 30% since 2019, with GDP per capita exceeding $15,000.
The country’s GDP is approaching $350 billion, placing Kazakhstan second among Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) members, he said. The share of small and medium-sized businesses in GDP has reached 40%, while nearly half of the country’s working-age population is employed in the sector.
He also highlighted social development indicators, noting that $2.5 billion had been transferred to the accounts of seven million children under the National Fund for Children program. According to him, more than 20 million square meters of housing were commissioned last year, while life expectancy has approached 76 years.
Tokayev described the adoption of the new Constitution as a milestone in Kazakhstan’s political transformation. He highlighted the establishment of a unicameral Kurultai, the introduction of the vice president position and the launch of the Kazakhstan People’s Council, a high-level consultative body.
Tokayev also emphasized the importance of human capital, calling for the development of responsible, competitive and patriotic citizens and the promotion of hard work, mutual respect and compassion. During the ceremony, Tokayev presented state awards to citizens who have made significant contributions to Kazakhstan’s development.
The recipients included 129 labor veterans, 473 workers in industry, transport, construction, agriculture and other sectors, more than 200 small and medium-sized business representatives, over 150 teachers and scientists, and around 120 healthcare workers, among others.