From Investment to Production: Six Priorities of the Address Related to the Activities of Baiterek Holding

In his Address to the People of Kazakhstan, entitled “Current Challenges Facing Kazakhstan in a New Historical Cycle,” President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined objectives related to attracting investment, developing the agro-industrial complex, supporting entrepreneurship and upgrading infrastructure. The Head of State specifically highlighted the role of Baiterek Holding in several of these areas.

These objectives share a common approach: investment must translate into the establishment and development of production facilities, improved efficiency and a tangible contribution to the economy. Let us examine six priorities of the Address related to the Holding’s activities.

1. A More Active Role in Attracting Investment

The President emphasized the need to improve the unified investment attraction system and coordinate engagement with investors. Overlapping mandates and fragmented efforts among government agencies complicate this work and require a systematic solution.

In this context, the Head of State called for Baiterek Holding to take a more active part in addressing investment-related issues. At the same time, the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to perform specific functions in this area.

The quality of investment is particularly important. The President stressed the need to attract companies with advanced technologies, expertise and access to global markets. Results should be assessed based on the number and quality of production facilities launched, as well as their tangible contribution to the economy.

2. Food Industry Projects Worth More Than KZT 500 Billion

The Address highlighted a list of promising food industry projects prepared by Baiterek Holding, with a total value exceeding KZT 500 billion. The President pointed to the need to promptly resolve issues related to access to affordable financing on preferential terms and to ensure the implementation of high-quality projects.

This priority is linked to the development of deep agricultural processing. Domestic processing enables the expansion of finished goods production and the creation of greater added value within the country.

The Head of State also drew attention to successful experience in processing corn and soybeans, establishing a modern cotton and textile cluster, and developing livestock projects. The Government has been tasked with creating conditions for scaling up best practices and providing timely support to investors.

3. Long-Term Investment in Agriculture

The President noted that the volume of preferential financing for agriculture had increased from KZT 1 trillion to KZT 1.5 trillion. At the same time, some of these funds are allocated to current needs and working capital replenishment.

The next objective is to provide farmers with investment resources that enable them to plan for long-term development. This will allow agricultural enterprises to invest in production modernization and improved efficiency.

Particular emphasis was also placed on technological modernization and increasing domestic production of modern tractors and combine harvesters in Kazakhstan. Access to financing and the renewal of agricultural machinery should contribute to higher productivity in the sector.

4. Infrastructure from Production to Market

Developing the agro-industrial complex requires a coordinated approach across the entire value chain, including production, processing, storage and marketing.

The President emphasized that both large enterprises and small farms should have unimpeded access to agro-logistics centres. The Government, together with Baiterek Holding, is expected to adopt concrete measures to develop agricultural infrastructure.

In practical terms, this means ensuring that storage and marketing capacity keeps pace with growing production volumes. Accessible infrastructure will help farmers operate more sustainably and bring their products to market.

5. Domestic Production for Infrastructure Projects

The Address identified projects involving deep processing and higher labour productivity in key sectors of the economy as priorities.

Particular attention was given to domestic production of construction materials, metal structures and engineering equipment required for major infrastructure initiatives. These manufacturing facilities should form the industrial foundation for large-scale construction.

This approach links infrastructure modernization with the development of domestic enterprises: construction generates demand, while Kazakhstani manufacturers gain opportunities to expand production.

6. Creating Conditions for Small and Medium-Sized Business Growth

The President tasked the Government with developing a dedicated plan for the growth of medium-sized businesses. The plan should provide for long-term financing mechanisms and technological modernization of enterprises.

Another priority is to strengthen cooperation between medium-sized businesses and large companies and create conditions for marketing their products. The need to diversify small businesses, a significant proportion of which currently operate in trade, was also highlighted.

The Head of State further proposed improving small and medium-sized enterprises’ access to procurement by government agencies and quasi-public companies. Thus, business support encompasses several interconnected objectives: access to financial resources, production modernization and expanded sales markets.

The priorities outlined in the Address link investment policy to the economy’s specific needs. For Baiterek Holding, particular importance lies in taking a more active role in investment activities, implementing promising food industry projects and working with the Government to develop solutions for agricultural infrastructure. The practical outcomes should be reflected in the development of production facilities and expanded opportunities for Kazakhstani businesses.