Head of State Kasym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a Message to the people of Kazakhstan

The Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has spoken at a joint meeting of the Houses of Parliament with the Address to the people of Kazakhstan «Kazakhstan in a new reality: time for action».

The Head of State launched a number of initiatives aimed at improving the effectiveness of the management system, the economy in the new realities, the disclosure of industrial potential, the development of agriculture, transport and logistics, small and medium-sized businesses, financial sector, modernization of the territorial development of the country and improving social welfare of Kazakhstanis.

- The new economic course of our country should therefore be based on seven basic principles: Equitable distribution of benefits and responsibilities; The leading role of private enterprise; Fair competition, opening markets for a new generation of entrepreneurs; Increased productivity, complexity and technological efficiency of the economy; Development of human capital, investment in a new type of education; «Green» economy, environmental protection; Adoption of well-grounded decisions by the state and responsibility to society for them, - noted Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev.

The President emphasised the importance of providing accessible and quality education, strengthening the healthcare system, and expressed concern about the family and demographic situation, safety and protection of children`s rights.

According to the Head of State, no aspect of socio-economic development can be successfully implemented without the rule of law and guaranteeing the safety of citizens. There is a lot of work ahead in developing new standards for serving the state in the interests of citizens. The law enforcement and judicial systems, which play a key role in this, are waiting for reforms.

-The criminal sphere should be modernised, following the example of the developed OECD countries. We need a model that ensures timely protection of citizens`rights and meets high international standards. I consider it necessary to introduce to Kazakhstan a three-tier model with a clear division of powers», - said the President.

Digitalisation has been identified as a basic element of all reforms and a key tool for achieving national competitiveness. At the same time, political reforms must be aimed at involving citizens more widely in government. The main purpose of these reforms is to increase the efficiency of the functioning of the entire state.

-Today I presented to the whole society a plan of action for the state in a situation of crisis. The ultimate success of the reforms depends on each and every one of us. All of us should work on self-development. The challenges of the times force us to constantly adapt, become stronger and work relentlessly. Therefore, a happy and bright future will depend on a valorous labour of each citizen. Each generation faces a different challenge. In our history, we have always overcome different challenges. Our people are capable and ready to tackle the most arduous tasks, - emphasized Kasym-Jomart Tokayev.

The full text of the Address to the people of Kazakhstan «Kazakhstan in a new reality: time for action» can be found here.