Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev shared the key outcomes of 2024 in an interview with Ana Tili (Mother Tongue) newspaper on Jan. 3. Exactly one year ago, on Jan. 3, Tokayev gave an interview to Egemen Qazaqstan newspaper, where he outlined an ambitious economic course aimed at achieving a Just and Fair Kazakhstan and doubling the size of the national economy.
“At the beginning of last year, I said in an interview that 2024 would be a defining year for Kazakhstan in many ways. So it has been. By starting systemic and even challenging economic reforms, we have laid a solid foundation for the country’s five-year development. There has been a significant number of completed projects and initiatives in this direction, and there will be even more,” Tokayev said, reflecting on the achievements of 2024.
Reflecting on 2024, President Tokayev described it as a pivotal year for Kazakhstan. “By launching systemic and even challenging economic reforms, we laid a solid foundation for the country’s five-year development plan,” he said. Among the achievements were the modernization of utility infrastructure across all regions, the commissioning of 18 million square meters of housing, and the construction or repair of 7,000 kilometers of highways. Major airports in Almaty, Kyzylorda, and Shymkent saw new passenger terminals inaugurated.
The President also highlighted advances in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors. “The manufacturing sector is now nearly on par with the extractive sector, while our agricultural sector achieved a record harvest of nearly 27 million tons of grain, the highest in a decade,” he noted.
Social initiatives also advanced, with the introduction of the National Fund for Children, increases in pensions, allowances, and civil servant salaries, and the establishment of more than ten branches of leading foreign universities. Hundreds of schools, kindergartens, and fitness centers were built, and mass sports development was prioritized. These measures, Tokayev emphasized, represent a significant investment in the nation’s creative potential.
President Tokayev acknowledged the devastating floods that hit Kazakhstan in spring 2024 as one of the year’s most significant challenges. The floods affected half the country, forcing tens of thousands of evacuations and causing widespread damage. “Such large-scale floods had never happened in Kazakhstan before, but the government responded promptly,” he said. Rescue operations mobilized 63,000 personnel from various agencies, ensuring the safety of citizens and the provision of temporary shelters.
Tokayev stressed that the disaster exposed gaps in infrastructure planning. “Severe consequences could have been avoided if proper attention had been given to constructing protective dams and hydraulic structures in recent decades,” he admitted. To address these shortcomings, a new Water Code is under parliamentary review, alongside a comprehensive water management plan that includes constructing over 40 new reservoirs by 2030.
Looking ahead, Tokayev underscored the importance of fostering economic growth and strengthening Kazakhstan’s sovereignty. He reiterated his commitment to the principle of “Law and Order” as the foundation for building a Just Kazakhstan, emphasizing fairness in resource distribution and equality before the law.
Addressing concerns about political reforms, Tokayev dismissed speculation about a transition to a parliamentary system. “The presidential form of government remains the most optimal choice for Kazakhstan at this stage,” he affirmed, noting that any significant changes to governance would require a national referendum.
In the international arena, Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s role as a middle power, advocating for collaborative solutions to global challenges, particularly in water security and climate change. He also reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to fostering partnerships with major powers such as China, Russia, and the United States, while supporting regional integration among Turkic states.
President Tokayev concluded the interview by emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience in facing future challenges. “The past year was far from simple, yet we managed to stabilize the situation and continue our reforms. The strength of our people and their collective efforts remain our greatest asset,” he said.
With a clear roadmap for 2025, Tokayev expressed confidence in Kazakhstan’s ability to build on its achievements and continue its progress toward becoming a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous nation.
