In 2025, Kazakhstan’s National Chamber of Entrepreneurs Atameken continued its systematic work to protect business interests. This was not about one-off initiatives or declarations, but about consistently addressing the issues raised by entrepreneurs at regional and sectoral platforms, through formal appeals and working meetings, DKNews.kz reports.
Over the year, discussions and expert debates in a number of areas resulted in practical decisions, later reflected in regulatory and procedural changes. Below are the key areas where businesses saw tangible results in 2025.
Public procurement became more business-friendly
At Atameken’s initiative, the terms for participation of domestic producers in public procurement were revised. Delivery deadlines were extended from 15 to 60 days, payment periods were reduced to 10 working days, and advance payments increased to up to 50%.
These changes helped reduce the risk of contract disruptions, minimize cash-flow gaps, and make it easier for businesses to fulfill obligations without resorting to additional borrowing.
VAT relief for imported equipment
The new Tax Code introduced provisions allowing VAT offset and deferral for up to one year when importing equipment and components not produced domestically.
This significantly eased the launch and modernization of production facilities, reduced one-time financial pressure, and gave businesses more flexibility in planning investments.
Mandatory “Made in the EAEU” labeling was avoided
Within the Eurasian Economic Union, proposals were discussed to introduce unified quality standards and mandatory “Made in the EAEU” labeling. For Kazakh producers, this posed risks of export restrictions and potential exposure to sanctions.
As a result of Atameken’s work and the consolidated position of the business community, the initiative did not receive support and was converted into a recommendatory format, preventing new barriers for exporters.
Exports of domestically produced pesticides were unlocked
Previously, regulatory requirements effectively blocked the export of pesticides produced in Kazakhstan. Following Atameken’s efforts and government-level review, amendments were adopted allowing exports under a simplified procedure.
This led to increased production, the creation of new jobs, and higher tax revenues.
Greater access for SMEs to public procurement
For years, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) pointed to excessive requirements and limited access to public procurement. In 2025, these concerns were addressed: a list of goods, works, and services mandatory for procurement from SMEs was approved.
As a result, SMEs gained access to more contracts, while market monopolization was reduced.
Clearer rules for agricultural land allocation
The formal criterion of “investment per hectare,” which often led to disputes, was replaced with a comprehensive evaluation system. Authorities now assess the availability of machinery, specialists, livestock, and the actual capacity of farms.
This made land allocation competitions more transparent and understandable for farmers.
Investment subsidies made more accessible
In 2025, the rules for investment subsidies in the agro-industrial sector were updated. The range of eligible recipients was expanded, maximum equipment cost thresholds increased, and excessive requirements removed.
These changes simplified access to state support and reduced the number of rejections based on formal grounds.
Livestock subsidies increased
Additional subsidy programs were introduced in livestock farming, and payments for breeding stock were increased. For farms, this provided partial compensation for rising costs and helped maintain production stability.
Expanded concessional financing for farmers
Throughout the year, programs such as “Ken Dala,” concessional leasing at 5%, and guarantee instruments through the Damu Fund continued. Additional funding for seasonal fieldwork was also secured.
This ensured farmers had access to resources during critical agricultural periods and allowed large areas of arable land to be cultivated.
Boost to wool processing and value-added production
Export duties on wool and hides were abolished, while subsidies for processing and concessional lending were introduced. These measures created incentives to develop domestic processing and increase value-added production within the country.
Systemic work as the key outcome
All these changes became possible due to systematic work with entrepreneurs’ appeals, sectoral expertise, and ongoing dialogue with government agencies. In each case, Atameken supported the issue from the initial business signal to the adoption of concrete decisions.
This work continues and remains one of the core mechanisms for protecting business interests in Kazakhstan.
