Kazakhstan is entering a new investment cycle, but the relaunch has been accompanied by unusually blunt criticism at the highest level. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired a high-level meeting on implementing the President’s directive to increase high-quality investments, openly pointing to systemic obstacles that continue to hinder investors, DKNews.kz reports.
The meeting brought together Prosecutor General Berik Assylov, senior government officials, ministers, regional governors, and the heads of key national institutions, including Samruk-Kazyna, Baiterek, KAZAKH INVEST, and the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs.
From investment volume to investment quality
The central message of the meeting was clear: Kazakhstan is shifting its focus from the sheer volume of capital attracted to projects with high added value. To support this shift, the Investment Policy Concept through 2030 has been updated.
“The President has tasked all government bodies and organizations with increasing the inflow of high-quality investments and ensuring the implementation of breakthrough projects with high added value. The Investment Policy Concept through 2030 has been updated. We must work together to create a favorable investment climate, support productive activity, protect investors’ rights, and accompany projects that are important for the country at all stages of implementation,” Prime Minister Bektenov said.
A proactive model instead of waiting for investors
The Government is fundamentally revising its approach to attracting investment. Kazakhstan is moving toward a proactive investment model, under which investors are offered pre-prepared, coordinated project packages that include land plots, infrastructure solutions, and regulatory clarity.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin reported that investment in fixed capital reached 22.7 trillion tenge last year. Even more ambitious targets have been set for the coming period.
At present, more than a thousand projects are being monitored through the National Digital Investment Platform, with a total value running into tens of trillions of tenge. Under the Investment Policy Concept, overall investment volumes are expected to triple in the medium term.
Targeted foreign investment and concrete projects
Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Kuantyrov outlined efforts to strengthen Kazakhstan’s external investment outreach. Targeted engagement with foreign investors has already resulted in concrete industrial, agricultural, and processing projects entering the national investment pipeline.
In parallel, KAZAKH INVEST is expanding its international presence, opening and strengthening offices in key global markets to work more directly with strategic investors.
Investor protection under prosecutorial oversight
Investor protection featured prominently in the discussion. By presidential instruction, the Committee for the Recovery of Illegally Withdrawn Assets has been transformed into the Committee for the Protection of Investors’ Rights, while the functions of the Investment Ombudsman have been assigned to the Prosecutor General.
Prime Minister Bektenov described this as a serious step toward strengthening legal safeguards for capital in Kazakhstan.
Prosecutor General Berik Assylov confirmed that investment prosecutors have already begun operating in the regions.
“By the instruction of the Head of State, the прокуратура accompanies investment projects. We will issue binding instructions and orders — this is extremely important. We will coordinate and carry out international legal cooperation to protect investors. Together with government agencies, we will review all investment projects. Once we have a clear overall picture, we will promptly accompany every project,” Assylov said.
The “prosecutorial filter” and digital oversight
One of the key tools for reducing administrative pressure on business has become the so-called “prosecutorial filter.” Tens of thousands of government decisions have been reviewed, unjustified initiatives blocked, illegal inspections cancelled, and excessive restrictions prevented.
At the same time, investment project support is being digitalized. Each project is now monitored online, allowing risks and delays to be identified in real time.
Sharp criticism and personal accountability
The meeting also exposed serious shortcomings. Prime Minister Bektenov sharply criticized KAZAKH INVEST and regional administrations for delays in implementing already approved projects. Of the 25 projects sent to the regions for execution, active work is currently underway on only three.
A formal reprimand was issued to the head of KAZAKH INVEST, Sultangali Kenzhekulov. Government bodies were given three days to take the necessary decisions on the remaining projects. Failure to deliver concrete results will lead to disciplinary action, while all materials related to obstruction of investor activity have been forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office.
“Every foreign or Kazakhstani investor must be confident that their interests are protected, disputes are resolved objectively, and state institutions act within transparent and predictable rules. The root of many problems lies in bureaucracy and delays at the local level. It is unacceptable when an investor ready to invest in our economy cannot obtain basic technical conditions or title documents for months. These are direct losses for the country’s economy,” Bektenov stressed.
A clear signal to the market
The meeting sent a clear message: Kazakhstan is serious about attracting investment, but will no longer tolerate obstruction, excessive bureaucracy, or formalistic approaches. The new investment cycle is built on accountability, protection of investors, and concrete results — not declarations.
