Nazarbayev outlines major tasks for the Government

Today President Nazarbayev conducted an extended sitting of the Government, regional governors, leadership of Nur Otan political party and Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund, Tengrinews.kz reports. President stressed that the main task for the Government would be continuing enhancement of living standards: within the following 5 years Kazakhstan should join the club of high-income countries, with GDP per capita standing at $ 15 000. “To this end, annual growth should be at least 7%. A new task for the Government and regional governors is to ensure another 3% of growth through intensive development of non-extraction industries, S&MBs;,” Nazarbayev stressed. Head of State elaborated that this task could be accomplished through greater inflow of investments, wider introduction of innovations and greater efficiency of public bodies. President called innovations “a national priority” and urged that Kazakhstan join the so-called innovation race. To this end, Kazakhstan should be transformed into a global center of knowledge (…) the Government should find, develop and retain talented people and unleash the whole potential of the Bolashak scholarship program. Head of State also called for more efficient counter-corruption efforts, further development of the legal system, and development of local self-government.