THE PRESIDENT CALLED FOR PARTNERSHIP

On February 7, 2025, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with representatives of the business community to discuss strategic cooperation. He emphasized the need to adapt to new conditions, highlighting key priorities: infrastructure, industry, digitalization, artificial intelligence, transport, and logistics.
The Head of State noted the crucial role of large businesses in the implementation of breakthrough projects and in driving economic growth. Cooperation between business and the government is strengthening, and bona fide entrepreneurs will receive support.

LARGE BUSINESSES ARE THE FOUNDATION OF THE ECONOMY

In Kazakhstan, large businesses play a key role in economic and technological development: they account for about 63.5% of GDP and half of all investments in fixed capital. Major companies create around 2 million jobs and contribute 70% of tax revenues — approximately 15 trillion tenge from 2,500 enterprises.
Businesses also play an active role in addressing social issues: they provided assistance during floods and regularly contribute to the “Qazaqstan Khalkyna” Fund — over 250 billion tenge to date.

THE ASSOCIATION OF INVESTORS OF KAZAKHSTAN IS NOT A REPLACEMENT OR COMPETITOR TO THE NCE “ATAMEKEN”

The Association of Investors of Kazakhstan does not aim to replace the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs “Atameken,” which holds a special status and legally mandated membership. By the President’s directive, “Atameken” is undergoing transformation, focusing on supporting micro- and small businesses. The Chamber’s task is to protect the interests of small businesses that lack sufficient resources for independent advocacy.

In turn, the Association of Investors of Kazakhstan focuses on strategic issues of economic development and improving the investment climate. The Association and the NCE “Atameken” work toward the same goal—business development in the country—but with different focuses, scales, and objectives. The Association views the NCE “Atameken” as a strategic partner in matters of fostering the business environment and entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan. We plan to collaborate based on principles of partnership, coordination, and complementarity.

NO POLITICS — ONLY ECONOMICS

To implement the President’s objectives, the unification of businesses is necessary. Major entrepreneurs have initiated the creation of the Association of Investors of Kazakhstan—a non-political, non-profit platform for dialogue with the state. The Association will represent business interests, participate in developing solutions, and promote economic reforms. Its goal is to improve the business climate and increase investments. The organization will unite active representatives of large and medium-sized businesses without representing the interests of specific financial-industrial groups. The founders are leading industry associations: KAZENERGY, the Kazakhstan Electric Power Association, and the Kazakhstan Builders Association. By the end of 2025, approximately 100 medium and large entrepreneurs are expected to join. In the following years, an additional 500 companies are planned to join.

The Association of Investors of Kazakhstan will not have special status, nor will it have any privileges or advantages. Like any other business association, it was established in accordance with the requirements of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s Law “On Non-Profit Organizations” and will operate under the same conditions.

THE MAIN GOAL — GROWTH OF PRIVATE INVESTMENT

The Association of Investors of Kazakhstan will serve as a platform for dialogue aimed at supporting systemic economic reforms — without sectoral lobbying.
Key priorities include: deregulation, digitalization, economic liberalization, legal protection of businesses, and support for investment projects. The primary objective is to increase private investment.

Currently, investment in fixed capital amounts to 15% of GDP, while sustainable development requires 25–30%. A systemic approach is needed to improve the investment climate — not just addressing individual issues.

The Association will support the continuation of the “clean slate regulation” reform. It also plans to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to make regulations more flexible and customer-oriented.
Digitalization is another top priority. The business community is ready to share its expertise with the government. Leveraging AI will help streamline processes, reduce costs, and contribute to the creation of a digital, service-oriented state.

In addition, a mechanism for monitoring business challenges will be developed, based on data from appeals, research, and analytics. This will enable timely removal of barriers and formulation of high-level policy solutions to improve the investment climate.

FUNDING OF THE ASSOCIATION – THROUGH VOLUNTARY MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS

The funding of the Association of Investors of Kazakhstan is carried out on a voluntary and transparent basis, in compliance with all regulations of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Main sources of funding:

•  Annual voluntary membership contributions from participants;

•  Targeted membership contributions for the implementation of specific projects, initiatives, analytical research, and events.

All financial activities of the Association will be transparent and accountable to its members, with regular reporting, audits, and adherence to principles of open governance.