Nazarbayev instructs government to cut back expenses

Nursultan Nazarbayev has instructed the government of Kazakhstan and Akims (mayors and governors) to cut back expenses where possible, Tengrinews reports citing the press office of Akorda. 

Nazarbayev spoke about the decrease in prices of Kazakhstani export goods and their effect on the country's budget during the meeting of the Nur Otan Bureau of Political Council on August 8.

Kazakhstan exports oil, gas, metals, minerals and grain - prices on all of these commodities have been predominantly bearish since the global crisis of 2008.

"The prices of out export goods have significantly decreased, the budget is loosing money. That is why I am instructing the government and all the Akims to cut back on the expenses to make sure there is enough financial resources for the government to meet its social obligations to the citizens. Awareness building works should be conducted among the population,"Nazarbayev stressed.

In addition, the President of Kazakhstan stressed that as the ruling party of Kazakhstan Nur Otan had major responsibilities to Kazakhstanis and goals to achieve. The first goal was to mobilize Kazakhstan to implement the Nurly Zhol program of 5 industrial reforms and the 100 Concrete Steps plan

"This and other programs are timely and need to be explained to the people. The people whose jobs are cut at large enterprises should be offered jobs in the projects implemented as part of the Nurly Zhol program. It is the goal for all the Akims. Funding has been allocated for this. The scope of work for each of the regions has been clearly outlined, including the construction and repairs of roads, hospitals, schools, apartment buildings and public utilities," the President said.

Nazarbayev added that the political party had to promote unity and peace among the people of Kazakhstan and help resolve the issues that arise along the way. In addition, according to Nazarbayev, considering the complex economic situation the country, the party had to start preparing for the parliamentary elections to be held next year.

Writing by Gyuzel Kamalova, editing by Tatyana Kuzmina