In an interview with the daily Turkistan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presented an assessment of the results of 2025 and outlined key priorities for 2026. In his words, Kazakhstan has entered a new stage of modernization and the coming period will be decisive for the country's future direction.
Economy: growth and remaining challenges
Tokayev said Kazakhstan's economy grew by more than six percent in 2025, with gross domestic product surpassing the $300 billion mark and GDP per capita reaching about $15,000. He described these results as significant, but stressed that they must not lead to complacency.
He pointed to continuing inflationary pressures and the need to strengthen the socio-economic foundations of the state. He said it was essential that macroeconomic growth be translated into a real quality of life for the people.
Tax reform as a systemic change
Tokayev paid great attention to the new tax code. He presented it not as an isolated fiscal measure, but as a systemic reset of relations between the state, the business sector and the citizens. The aim is to move from a model of control to a partnership based on mutual trust.
Tokayev recalled that the original proposals envisaged a VAT increase to 20 percent, but the approach was eventually adjusted to 16 percent. According to him, the tax system should function as an instrument of fair redistribution, protect the more vulnerable groups and at the same time create stable conditions for key sectors of the economy. The success of tax policy, according to the president, is directly dependent on tax culture and civic responsibility.
Digitisation and artificial intelligence as a strategic priority
Digitisation and the development of artificial intelligence are among the main factors that will determine the position of states in global competition, according to Tokayev. This creates a dividing line between countries that can use new technologies effectively and those that fall behind.
Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan has already created the necessary institutional framework: the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development has been established, the Law on Artificial Intelligence has been adopted and national supercomputing systems have been launched.
At the same time, he recalled that the country's digital ecosystem is growing rapidly and that exports of IT services will reach approximately one billion dollars in 2025. According to him, this growth is the result of the activities of the Astana Hub Technology Park and other innovation centres. The development of a digital code of conduct to comprehensively regulate the data economy, artificial intelligence and working with big data also remains a priority.
Nuclear energy and rare earths
The President stressed that the transition to a new technological structure is not possible without a stable energy base. In this context, he identified nuclear energy as key. Kazakhstan is a world leader in uranium mining, but has not yet built its own nuclear power plant. Tokayev said the planned construction is an issue of energy security and national prestige, as well as an opportunity to train a new generation of technical experts.
The growing global demand for rare earths and critical raw materials opens up new opportunities for Kazakhstan. The country is strengthening its cooperation with the European Union, the United States, China, Russia, Japan and South Korea, and wants to play a greater role in global value chains.
Transit and logistics as the core of the Eurasian strategy
Tokayev described transit and logistics as one of the pillars of the country's long-term strategy. Kazakhstan lies at the crossroads of major Eurasian routes and twelve international transport corridors pass through its territory. New rail projects and highway routes are being implemented to connect regions and boost export capacity.
He placed particular emphasis on the development of the Trans-Caspian International Route, the North-South Corridor and cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative. He pointed out that competition in logistics is intensifying and the sector is increasingly intertwined with geopolitics.
Political reforms and constitutional changes
Tokayev confirmed the continuation of large-scale political modernisation. A referendum on constitutional reform has already been announced, the scope of which he likened to the adoption of a new constitution. The changes are aimed at modernising the parliamentary system and increasing the efficiency of public administration.
At the same time, in his message in 2025, the President raised the issue of a possible transition to a unicameral parliament as a model that could simplify the legislative process and make it more transparent and accountable. The potential reform is associated with a shortening of decision-making levels, a new distribution of powers and a strengthening of the personal political accountability of MPs.
Fight against corruption and asset recovery
The President discussed in detail the issue of the return of illegally acquired property and anti-corruption policy. He stressed that the restoration of social justice through the return of assets is a fundamental position of the state.
According to Tokayev, more than 1.3 trillion tenge (about $2.7 billion) has been repatriated so far, with the funds going mainly to social and infrastructure projects in the regions. The fight against corruption is being conducted as a systemic process that includes not only criminal punishment, but also prevention, increased transparency and strengthening public control.
Outlook for 2026
The President recalled that Kazakhstan is celebrating 35 years of independence and has built a respected international position during this time. At the same time, he said that the country was facing an extensive agenda that required the involvement of experienced professionals and the younger generation.
He described 2026 as a period of major decisions, when constitutional reform, digital transformation and strengthening Kazakhstan's international role will come together.
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