By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

In a recent interview to Ana Tili (Mother Tongue) newspaper, President Tokayev of Kazakhstan shares his perspectives on the activities in the past year and sets goals for 2025. The following article was contributed by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Seoul to Diplomacy Journal for publication. — Ed.

Major Outcomes of 2024
Last year was marked by many important events, and a great deal of work was accomplished. For example, engineering and communal infrastructure across all regions underwent modernization after having fallen into a deplorable state. A total of 18 million square meters of housing was completed, and 7,000 kilometers of highways were built or repaired. New passenger terminals were inaugurated at the airports in Almaty, Kyzylorda, and Shymkent. Large-scale projects were implemented in the mining, petrochemical, and metallurgical industries. The manufacturing sector also saw active development, with its share in the industrial structure now almost equal to that of the extractive sector. I would particularly like to highlight the success of our agricultural sector, which achieved a record harvest of nearly 27 million tons of grain—the highest in the past decade.

Kazakhstan is a social state, which is why last year we began payments under the National Fund for Children program. Pensions, allowances, scholarships, and salaries for civil servants were increased. Hundreds of new schools, kindergartens, and sports centers were built nationwide. More than ten branches of leading foreign universities were established. Funding for science was increased, and cultural figures received significant support. Special emphasis was placed on developing mass sports. All these measures represent valuable investments in strengthening the creative potential of our citizens.

Overall, the past year was challenging—one could even say difficult. Kazakhstan faced the negative impacts of external factors, and natural disasters disrupted some of our plans. Yet, we not only managed to stabilize the situation but also continued implementing reforms. Thus, our strategy of creation remains on course for further development.

Multivector Foreign Policy
Globally, Kazakhstan is often referred to as a middle power. This status comes with significant responsibilities, including the need for responsible conduct on the international stage and a constructive approach to addressing the most pressing issues of our time. Consistent with this, Kazakhstan is a steadfast supporter of the United Nations as the “common home of all humanity”—a non-alternative and universal organization.

Kazakhstan was at the forefront of establishing the Organization of Turkic States. The member countries of this organization are not only our neighbors but also important geopolitical partners.

The 5th World Nomad Games took place in Astana. Strong ties have been established among educational institutions, academic circles, and the creative intelligentsia.

In the face of unprecedented geopolitical tension, Kazakhstan has solidified its position on the international stage as a country playing a constructive role in fostering dialogue for the sake of peace. This has positively influenced the security and sustainable economic development of our country.

Economic Growth
In April last year, a law aimed at creating favorable conditions for entrepreneurs was passed. The state also actively supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through subsidies, preferential loans, and loan guarantees. The share of SMEs in the economy has been steadily increasing, and this sector now provides jobs for 4.3 million people, nearly half of the employed population. Therefore, it is safe to say that entrepreneurial initiative is becoming a driving force behind Kazakhstan’s economic growth.

The state is equally invested in the development of large businesses. It is also promising that foreign businesses are increasingly opening offices in Kazakhstan. This strengthens healthy competition, and diversifies the economy. The Investment Headquarters under the Government is effectively functioning as intended, facilitating decisions through a “one-stop” approach.

The Government’s efforts to improve the investment climate are yielding tangible results. A recent UN ESCAP report noted that Kazakhstan attracted $15.7 billion in foreign direct investment for new projects in 2024, marking an 88% increase compared to the previous year. This is the highest figure in the North and Central Asia region, with Kazakhstan accounting for nearly two-thirds (63%) of all foreign direct investment in the area.

All our reforms and economic development measures aim to improve the quality of life for citizens. This is our sole objective and the Government’s top priority.

The National Infrastructure Plan through 2029 was adopted, outlining more than 200 projects. Major energy sector projects with a combined capacity exceeding 600 megawatts are planned for this year. Significant progress will also be made in “green” energy, with agreements already in place with foreign investors to construct wind, solar, and hydroelectric power stations.

The future expansion project for the Tengiz field will be completed, with special attention given to oil refining and the development of the oil and gas chemical industry, including the expansion of production capacity at the Aktau bitumen plant.

The development of the machine-building industry will continue, with new production lines for cars from leading global brands. Additionally, Kostanay will begin producing cast iron parts for internal combustion engines and components for leading bridges.

Great attention will also be given to developing social infrastructure. The national project “Modernization of Rural Healthcare” continues, with medical facilities being constructed in rural areas. The construction of 217 modern schools with a combined capacity for 460,000 students is planned, with 105 schools already completed. This initiative aims to resolve the problems of emergency schools, three-shift schooling, and student place shortages.

Achievements in IT sector
Our citizens are well aware of the advantages of digitalized public services. The list of services available on the e-government website is constantly expanding. According to the UN ranking, Kazakhstan is ranked 24th globally for e-government development. 

In addition, Kazakhstan’s banks are developing their own digital ecosystems, significantly simplifying daily life for people.

It is also encouraging that the export of IT services from Kazakhstan is steadily increasing. The Astana Hub is functioning successfully, with over 1,500 participants, nearly a third of whom are foreign companies. Kazakhstan is becoming increasingly attractive to global digital nomads.

By the end of the year, the international artificial intelligence center Alem.AI will be inaugurated. This center is envisioned as a platform for attracting investments and implementing the best global practices and innovations.

AI education must be integrated into schools, colleges, and universities. Last year, 15 of our universities introduced AI courses in partnership with Google. Furthermore, a specialized training program for AI professionals, AI-Sana, is currently being developed.

Nuclear Power Plant
President Tokayev is convinced that a large-capacity nuclear power plant is essential for Kazakhstan. Moreover, he does not rule out the possibility of starting the construction of a second, and perhaps even a third, nuclear power plant in the near future.

Vibrant Youth, Education Opportunities
Today, many young people seek opportunities abroad for education or career advancement.  The “Bolashak” international scholarship is well-known, internships for young scientists at foreign research centers are organized, and student exchange programs with various countries are in place.

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Relevance for Korea 
As a result of the presidential visit to Kazakhstan in 2024, the bilateral cooperation is on the surge. 
In light of President Tokayev’s priorities, the following areas offer new opportunities for partnership:
-    Large infrastructure projects;
-    Upgrading energy facilities, green energy;
-    Higher education and science;
-    IT, AI and fintech;
-    Investments and trade;
-    Nuclear power plant construction.
    Commenting on the President Tokayev’s interview, Ambassador Nurgali Arystanov expressed his belief that given the milestone events planned and recent trajectory in bilateral cooperation, the year 2025 will be even more successful for Kazakh-Korean cooperation.