“There is no oligopoly in Kazakhstan anymore” – First Deputy Prime Minister

Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstan no longer has an oligopoly in the classic sense, First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar stated during a press conference, responding to a journalist’s question about the growing fortunes of some local billionaires.

“We are truly living in a New Kazakhstan. Since 2022, after our country and people went through difficult challenges, we committed to building a new state. And I can say with certainty: there is no oligopoly as you mean it. The individuals or companies often labeled as ‘classic oligopolies’ do not influence state policy, government decisions, or parliamentary legislative initiatives,” Sklyar said

His comments came after being asked why certain Kazakhstani businessmen from the Forbes list continue to accumulate wealth despite promises to dismantle monopolistic structures.

Sklyar emphasized that the country’s demonopolization process is ongoing. A special government commission is working to return assets, and large businesses are expected to actively contribute to economic development.

“Entrepreneurs who previously operated in Kazakhstan must now invest in the economy—build new enterprises, modernize existing assets, create jobs, and generate added value. That is their direct responsibility. This is what business is about—creating new value. And the government will not stand in their way,” he said.