Skopje, 16 December 2024 (MIA) – With dynamic reforms aimed at strengthening democracy and economic growth, the Republic of Kazakhstan is marking Monday its 33rd independence anniversary, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to North Macedonia, Satybaldy Burshakov, says in an interview with MIA on the occasion of Independence Day of Kazakhstan, December 16.

“Kazakhstan has taken enormous strides over recent years towards strengthening our democracy. Like any country, we have a unique political culture which is the product of our distinct national history and identity. We have moved away from the ‘super-presidential’ system, and instituted a full reset of our democracy and our institutions, suitable for a new stage of our national journey. As we seek to create a Just and Fair Kazakhstan, we need our institutions to reflect those values. This will not happen overnight, and we are continuing to work harder than ever to make sure that our country and citizens prosper,” says Ambassador Burshakov, the first Kazakhstani Skopje-based ambassador to the country.

Regarding bilateral relations between Astana and Skopje, he notes that North Macedonia is one of his country’s top partners in the Balkans.

“Our collaboration in various sectors has fostered strong ties and mutual understanding, paving the way for further development and cooperation. In this regard, we have opened the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Skopje and appointed a new Ambassador to strengthen our partnership. Next year, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of our diplomatic relations (June 1, 1995), which further underscores our commitment to enhancing cooperation and exploring new opportunities for joint initiatives that benefit both our nations,” says Burshakov.

In this context, he mentioned November’s meeting between the presidents of Kazakhstan and North Macedonia, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Gordana Siljanovska Davkova respectively, on the sidelines of the World Climate Summit in Baku, in which, as he said, the heads of the two states laid down the agenda aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, economy and investments and at simplifying the visa regime between the countries. 

“There are ambitious plans for cooperation between the two countries, which can become more intensive due to the abolition of the existing visa regime between the two countries and the simplification of administrative procedures, as well as strengthening legal protection for access to larger markets and opportunities for international business,” says the Kazakhstani diplomat. 

In the MIA interview, he talks about his country’s modernization processes, the principles of the country’s new economic course, the enhanced economic growth, this year reaching 5.1%, its successful policy to attract foreign direct investments, as well as about digitization, education investments, its policies to tackle climate change and boost tourism, considered a branch that is significant considering its share in the GDP. 

Kazakhstan is a multi-ethnic and multiconfessional country with over 20 million residents and 130 ethnic minorities. It prides itself with tolerance and coexistence in the society with its own model and principles for building an internal cohesion.

Read Ambassador Satybaldy Burshakov’s full interview below: 

How do you evaluate bilateral relations with North Macedonia?

North Macedonia is one of our important partners in the Balkan region. Our collaboration in various sectors has fostered strong ties and mutual understanding, paving the way for further development and cooperation. In this regard, we have opened the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Skopje and appointed a new Ambassador to strengthen our partnership. Next year, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of our diplomatic relations (June 1, 1995), which further underscores our commitment to enhancing cooperation and exploring new opportunities for joint initiatives that benefit both our nations.

Over the past decades regular contacts have been established at various levels, including presidential, parliamentary and ministerial visits. Thanks to this, the necessary legal framework has been laid to date. Interstate treaties in the law enforcement sphere, intergovernmental agreements in the trade, economic and fiscal spheres have been signed. Mutual support is provided at such international venues as the UN, OSCE, UNESCO and other international specialized international structures.

On November 13 this year in Baku, within the framework of the World Climate Summit, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with the President of North Macedonia Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. The heads of our states set up the agenda  for deepening cooperation in the trade, economic and investment spheres, as well as simplifying the visa regime for citizens of both countries. Both sides agreed on developing contacts between the business circles of Kazakhstan and North Macedonia. K. Tokayev invited G. Siljanovska-Davkova to visit Kazakhstan. Inter-parliamentary relations are actively promoted. Such bilateral mechanisms of interaction as an intergovernmental commission, foreign office consultations, and business forums have been created.

There are ambitious plans for cooperation between the two countries, which can become more intensive due to the abolition of the existing visa regime between the two countries and the simplification of administrative procedures, as well as strengthening legal protection for access to larger markets and opportunities for international business. Thus, the Macedonian company Alkaloid opened its representative office in Kazakhstan this year. In the coming period, we might observe will see more visits, more trade and people to people contacts more contacts between people.

The landmark events of this year in terms of our relations with the Balkan countries were the opening Embassies of Kazakhstan in North Macedonia, Albania, Slovenia, as well as a Consulate General in Montenegro. A few years earlier, our embassies were opened in Serbia and Croatia. Some of the Balkan countries are members of the EU, others are candidates for membership. This significantly increases the potential in trade, mining, agriculture and the pharmaceutical industry. An eloquent confirmation of our country's pragmatic cooperation with the region can be the fact that three weeks ago, on November 19, the President of Kazakhstan paid first official visit to Serbia, where he held substantive talks with his counterpart Alesandar Vučić. During this visit, 10 intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents were signed.

Kazakhstan is going through a period of significant political reforms and regulations aimed at strengthening political pluralism and solving social issues. Can you tell us more about them?

Kazakhstan has taken enormous strides over recent years towards strengthening our democracy. Like any country, we have a unique political culture which is the product of our distinct national history and identity. We have moved away from the "super-presidential" system, and instituted a full reset of our democracy and our institutions, suitable for a new stage of our national journey. As we seek to create a Just and Fair Kazakhstan, we need our institutions to reflect those values. This will not happen overnight, and we are continuing to work harder than ever to make sure that our country and citizens prosper. Our most recent elections have been more competitive and participative than at any point in history — we have new political parties, and a wider range of representation than ever before. As part of the reforms package, we have introduced a 30% quota for women, young people, and persons with special needs, first, on electoral party lists and, later, in the allocation of parliamentary mandates. On the path to building a Just and Fair Kazakhstan, we have reformed key institutions of power and we are expanding the participation of citizens in decision-making, while fostering greater pluralism in our politics. Through our constitutional referendum and elections, we have transformed the institutions across our government. We have made undeniable progress towards democratization, and towards a more inclusive political system and economy. The facts speak for themselves.

Kazakhstan has made several significant legislative reforms that are already having an impact on the political system. To begin with, the President, in an effort to strip back presidential power and move away from the 'super-presidential' system, has abolished certain presidential powers over regional assemblies and local office holders. President Tokayev enacted a limit of a single, seven-year term for presidents, prohibiting re-election, and further strengthening Kazakh democracy. He has also brought in strict laws which prohibit anyone closely related to the president from holding significant power in state or public sector roles.

The President has been clear that increasing competition, pluralism, and representation is a top priority of our country. We are still a young democracy, and the transformative reforms of our constitution and institutions have accelerated the process of democratisation. Concrete examples include reducing the threshold for the registration of new parties from 20,000 to 5,000 members. Moreover, independent candidates were allowed to participate in the last parliamentary elections for the first time, resulting in unprecedented political competition in Kazakhstan.

As with any democracy, we are in a process of constant evolution. The nature of the situation and the challenges we face today is completely different than what we faced following independence. As the President outlined, the former «super-presidential" system once served us well, but it is no longer fit for purpose: this has been the driving force behind our new reforms — we continue to evolve to ensure that our government serves the needs of our people most effectively. The Constitutional Court has been re-established in Kazakhstan under President Tokayev, with a strong mandate to boost the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms by giving citizens the opportunity to appeal directly to the court.

You're considered the largest economy in Central Asia. The country is one of the largest exporters of oil and uranium in the world. What are the country's plans in the coming period for the exploitation of oil and in that context for the development of industry and energy infrastructure? 

In his annual Address to the People of Kazakhstan on September 1, 2023, "The Economic Course of a Fair Kazakhstan," President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presented his fundamentally new economic paradigm for the country's development. The defining principles of the country's new economic course will be justice, inclusiveness, and pragmatism.

The new economic model of the Head of State covers all the most important aspects of the economy, including economic diversification, comprehensive strengthening of the defense-industrial complex, a breakthrough in the agro-industrial complex, development of nuclear energy, the problem of water resources, full-fledged development of the transport and logistics industry, digitalization and innovation, creative economy, support for SMEs, completion of work on the introduction of a qualitatively new system of public procurement, protection of domestic producers, development of deposits of rare and rare earth metals, the so-called "new oil", and many others.

As for the flagship of the Kazakh economy - the oil and gas sector, in 2023 the volume of oil production amounted to 89.9 million tons, gas - 59.1 billion cubic meters, and commercial gas production amounted to 29.8 billion cubic meters. From 2026 to 2030, the phased commissioning of 4 gas processing plants in the country will begin. The rate of economic growth in the country in 2023 was 5.1%, due to which the GDP grew to 261.4 billion US dollars. We are also a critical player in global markets - producing 43% of the world’s uranium and ranking among the top 20 oil, wheat and other commodity producers. In logistics, 80% of current land transit between Asia and Europe passes through our country. 

In general, industrial policy is becoming a driver of the transition to a qualitatively different development model. Clear criteria for the effectiveness of the implementation of the tasks are optimal, not prolonged in time (3 years) and specific figures, such as, for example, the main goal of the planned reforms - stable economic growth at the level of 6-7 percent, doubling the size of the national economy by 2029, to 450 billion dollars. The key characteristic feature, the basis of the new economic model is its human-centeredness. The area of ​​special attention is the interests and needs of our citizens, their well-being, starting from birth: "Every child in our country should have a happy and safe childhood." The President of our country calls for turning the demographic trends of our country (the average age of our residents is 32 years) into competitive advantages.

Energy stability is key to the development of every country. In that context, a referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant was held, which received support from the population. What are the Government's plans for the construction of the nuclear power plant?

According to the country's political leadership, the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) is a long-term project. It will ensure sustainable progress for the country for decades to come, strengthen Kazakhstan's energy sovereignty and give a powerful impetus to the development of various sectors of the economy, science and education, and will contribute to the formation of a wide class of engineers and specialists in a wide range of fields.

The national referendum which took place on 6 October 2024 was one of the stages of the NPP construction projects. We are talking about the NPP construction project in the Almaty region in the southeast of Kazakhstan, on the shores of Lake Balkhash (the second largest salt lake in the world after the Caspian Sea). The commissioning of the NPP should reduce the energy deficit in the south of the country, which reached 3.1 terawatt-hours (TWh) by the end of 2023.

Currently, the government will have to decide on a technology supplier. After selecting a supplier and conducting engineering surveys, design documentation will be prepared, which will be submitted to public hearings.

Is Kazakhstan's 's success in attracting foreign investors due only to its geographical position and wealth of oil and mineral resources, or does the government offer other benefits to investors? 

Kazakhstan remains by far the largest economy in Central Asia. Fueled by a young and vibrant population, growing middle class, abundant natural and agricultural resources, and immense global transit potential - the fundamentals for growth and diversification.  Last year, we registered economic growth of 5.1%, and aim to double GDP to 450 billion USD by 2029. To achieve this ambitious goal, we have to ensure the annual growth of 6 to 7 percent by building a modern knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.

Kazakhstan also plays critical role in generating carbon-free power globally, as a leading exporter of uranium, accounting for 43% of the world’s supply. The country’s immense renewables potential also means it is poised to be a major clean energy exporter to the rest of Eurasia.

On top of that, as the world decarbonizes in the coming decades, critical minerals, including rare earths, will become essential. Kazakhstan is ready to become one of the main suppliers of these transition minerals. 

Bold in Investment. We are dedicated to fostering an investment climate in line with the highest global standards to ensure that Kazakhstan remains the primary FDI destination in Central Asia.

Since 1993, Kazakhstan has attracted a total of 441 billion dollars in foreign direct investments (FDI). Top 10 investors since 2005 are the Netherlands, the USA, Switzerland, China, Russia, France, the UK, Belgium, the Republic of Korea, and Japan.

In 2023, the gross FDI inflow into Kazakhstan amounted to $23.4 billion, in the first quarter of 2024 - $5,7 billion. 

To double the volume of our economy by 2029, we plan to attract at least 150 billion USD in FDIs.

We have recently created a high-powered investment board to bolster decision-making and comprehensive end-to-end state support for strategic investment projects.

The Astana International Financial Center (AIFC) is a unique institution in Central Asia offering an English common law-based international court, arbitration system and world-class regulation. In 2024, more than 3000 companies from 82 countries were registered at AIFC. Total trading volume on the AIX exchange in 2023 was $582 million, up 236% from 2022.

Since 2018, more than $12 billion of investments have been raised through the AIFC platform.

Kazakhstan is a multi-ethnic and multi-confessional country with over 20 million inhabitants, where there are 130 ethnic minorities. You are proud of tolerance and coexistence in society. What are the principles on which the country builds this internal cohesion?

Traditions of friendship and mutual understanding are deeply rooted in the self-awareness of the citizens of Kazakhstan. This is the foundation of harmony, peace and accord in the country. The diversity of cultures that has historically developed on the fertile Kazakh land has become an integral part of our identity.

In this regard, it is appropriate to note that in the coming 2025, the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan celebrates its 30th anniversary since its establishment (March 1, 1995). This is a consultative and advisory body under the President. The task of the Assembly is to develop and implement the state national policy. Today in the country about 40 ethnic groups have republican and regional ethnocultural associations, their theaters and schools are open for the development of their native languages and cultures.

United by common ideals and values, we confidently overcome all difficulties and global challenges. Today, the idea of ​​​​the New Kazakhstan is a powerful factor in the consolidation of society. It is based on the creative energy of all citizens. In this regard, I would like to introduce the position of our President on the seven principles of national consolidation:

First. Independence above all.

Second. The basis of statehood is territorial integrity.

Third. State interests are the most important value.

Fourth. Spiritual harmony is the source of unity.

Fifth. Law and order are the key to the country's progress.

Sixth. Creation is the path to renewal and modernization.

Seventh. Trust, mutual support and solidarity are the most valuable qualities.

Digitization of the country is a new challenge that was also mentioned by President Tokayev as one of the key priorities.

In the field of digitalization, we are strongly committed to using technology to improve governance, increase efficiency, and enhance transparency. 

More than 90% of government services in our country are provided electronically, and the share of non-cash transactions now exceeds 80%.

The volume of IT exports increased fivefold last year alone. We intend to increase this figure to one billion dollars by 2026.

Programs such as "Digital Kazakhstan" are being developed, IT parks and technology parks are being created (for example, Astana Hub, TechGarden, etc.). There are tax incentives and grants for IT companies that contribute to the development of the digital economy.

Among the current achievements are the significant growth of the IT sector, an increase in the number of IT companies and startups, many of which have received international recognition and investment. The participation of Kazakhstani IT companies in international events and partnerships with global IT giants such as Microsoft, IBM and Google confirm the competitiveness of Kazakhstan in the world market.

Currently, universities in our country are introducing modern trends in the field of IT, developing their educational programs using trends in IT, and also cooperating with international universities. This helps to prepare qualified specialists. Also, our educational institutions cooperate with leading online learning platforms such as Coursera and edX. In addition, infrastructure improvements are being implemented, such as increasing the speed and availability of the Internet and digitalization of public services, which create a unified information environment and stimulate the use of IT technologies at the state level.

An important achievement is the digitalization of the economy and society, including the development of e-government and fintech. This simplifies the interaction of citizens with government agencies and financial services. The creation of research centers and the active development of domestic software contribute to innovation and scientific research in the IT sphere.

Thus, thanks to state support, educational initiatives, improved infrastructure and significant achievements in the IT sector, Kazakhstan has all the necessary conditions for becoming an IT country.

What are Kazakhstan's foreign policy postulates? 

The key elements of our foreign policy are independence, multilateralism, regional stability and diplomacy. Kazakhstan strongly supports the role of the United Nations as the only universal organization, the driving force of global cooperation and progress. We believe that constructive engagement with all key partners is essential to strengthening long-term peace and prosperity both in our region and beyond.

Kazakhstan hosted parts of the Iran Nuclear Deal process, the Syria talks and more recently meetings between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Our country voluntarily renounced its nuclear arsenal and continues to support global non-proliferation efforts. Astana’s initiative to establish an International Biological Safety Agency complements our commitments to counter threats to global security. 

Kazakhstan would like to see a more inclusive and sustainable international system. States, no matter how small or large, should be able to contribute to building a better world. Kazakhstan is ready to continue to play a consistent and active role on the world stage. We are at the intersection of diplomacy, economic cooperation and multilateral governance. Together with our colleagues and partners, we can significantly shape the future world. We do not want to be passive observers in this changing international order. On the contrary, we strive to become the architects of a more balanced, fair and sustainable global system.

The issue of security and defense is a central theme in the context of global geostrategic shifts. How much does the country invest in this sphere? 

Of particular importance are the issues of updating the main approaches to the implementation of the National Security Strategy and the implementation of measures to strengthen the country's defense capability from the point of view of strengthening the economic and military potential of Kazakhstan in light of the complicated geopolitical situation in the world. 

In this regard, measures are being taken to increase the military potential of the state and equip the army with modern weapons and military equipment, including those produced by domestic defense industry enterprises. Approximately 1.5-2% of the country's GDP is annually directed to the defense sector.

In the context of climate change, afforestation is an important government policy. What are the country's investments in this activity? 

In the field of environmental protection, Kazakhstan is committed to the goals of the global climate agenda. We strongly support the Paris Agreement on climate change. On December 3, Presidents of Kazakhstan and France co-hosted the One Water Summit with France in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on the margins of the COP16 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification to address the most pressing issues of water agenda. We are also actively engaging with our friends and partners to host a Regional Climate Summit in Kazakhstan in 2026 in close cooperation with the UN.

The last decade has been the hottest in human history. The rate of warming in our region - in Central Asia - is alarming and requires urgent action. This is especially true in terms of maintaining water and food security. Kazakhstan is among the ten largest producers of wheat and flour, exporting up to 7 million tons of wheat per year. However, if the negative scenario is realized, wheat yields may decrease by almost 40% by 2030.

That is why active afforestation plays an important role in absorbing carbon dioxide. Kazakhstan is a sparsely forested country. The forest fund area is 30 million hectares, or 11% of the territory. In 2021, a large-scale program to green the country was launched. By 2025, 2 billion trees will be planted. This initiative is becoming a truly national-scale project with great international resonance.

Kazakhstan plans to allocate about $ 10.5 million annually for reforestation work within the framework of state programs. These funds are directed both towards direct reforestation work and towards infrastructure development, erosion protection, and long-term environmental research.

What about the incredible growth of the capital Astana, from a small town to a super modern city, and how much the state invests in tourism? 

I would like to draw attention to the fact that at the time of the decision to move the capital from Almaty in December 1997, Astana (then Akmola) was a large regional center in Central Kazakhstan with a population of over 287 thousand people. Due to dynamic development, the population of the capital exceeded 500 thousand in 2003, reached 1 million in 2018, and exceeded 1.5 million residents as of October 1, 2024. 

Today, Astana is not only a political and administrative center, but also an important economic, cultural and academic center of Kazakhstan, attracting tourists from all over the world.

2024 has become a landmark year for tourism in Kazakhstan. The country is implementing a set of systemic measures aimed at modernizing the tourism industry, increasing its competitiveness and integrating it into the global economy. Thanks to government support, investment attraction and promotion in the international arena, the country demonstrates positive results in the tourism industry, which is becoming an important driver of economic growth and intercultural interaction.

The tourism industry of Kazakhstan demonstrates sustainable dynamics. The influx of foreign visitors amounted to 11.5 million people, which is almost twice as much as in the same period of 2023.

The economic indicators of the industry also show significant growth. The total income of accommodation facilities increased by 27%, amounting to more than 460 million US dollars.

Investments in the tourism industry continue to grow rapidly. Over 10 months of 2024, their volume increased by 33.6%, amounting to about 1.4 billion US dollars.

State support for the tourism industry is increasing. This year, the volume of approved applications for state support has increased 3 times.

On November 18, Kazakhstan introduced the Neo Nomad Visa for digital nomads, making the country attractive to a new generation of travelers working remotely. The progress is also reflected in international rankings: Kazakhstan moved up to 52nd place out of 119 countries, up from 80th place in 2019.

In general, Kazakhstan welcomes travelers from 100 visa-free countries, making it a prime destination for global tourists. Kazakhstan, a vast expanse in Central Asia, is a country teeming with diverse cities that offer unique experiences, rich history, and stunning landscapes. Renowned for its cultural heritage, Kazakhstan boasts traditional music, dance, and craftsmanship, while modern developments in cities like Astana showcase futuristic architecture and urban planning. The country’s natural allure is further enhanced by attractions like the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest inland body of water, and the serene beauty of Lake Balkhash and Lake Alakol.

The hosting of the 5th World Nomad Games in Astana this September was an important event on the international arena in September this year. The Games brought together 2,700 participants from 89 countries. During this landmark event 600,000 foreign tourists visited Kazakhstan.

In this regard, we would like to thank wrestling team from North Macedonia for taking part in the Nomad Games, and to MIA for covering this event. 

Violeta Gerov

Photo: Frosina Naskovikj/Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry