Nazarbayev called to reverse situation with local content

Nazarbayev has called to reverse the situation with local content, Tengrinews.kz reports citing the address to the top managers of the companies, Akims (Mayors) and the government that Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev has made today at the Industrial Forum in Astana. President gave the percentage of Kazakh content in the major Kazakhstan companies. The highest value, according to him, is 4 percent. "I address the managers of the companies. The fact that they are private companies does not release them from the President's requirements and the country's legislation in effect at the territory of Kazakhstan. I also address the Akims who are not working with these programs." The President noted that "this situations requires substantial correction" and instructed the government to make amendments into the legislation to make local manufacturers increase local content. "If necessary, we will review the legislation in this relation," Nazarbayev said. Besides Kazakhstan content, President talked about production of goods with high added value. According to Nazarbayev, only 30 out of 70 launched facilities can be considered producing such goods and only by a stretch of imagination. "Only 14 of 174 projects expected to start up this year may be referred to as the fifth level of high value," President said. Export is another significant thing to be improved in Kazakhstan economy. Only 65 projects out of almost 400 implemented under the State Program of Accelerated Industrial-Innovative Development export their goods, Nazarbayev said. "We are not working with the partners in the Customs Union and the Common Economic Space. I have warned everyone before signing. I told all the Akims and all the companies: go to Russia, go to Belarus, look for partners, negotiate, sign agreements to export our goods not only to their countries but even further. You are not working! I warn you, you have to work, don't sleep," President said.