• KGS/USD = 0.01184 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00207 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09395 -0.21%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28490 -0.28%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01184 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00207 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09395 -0.21%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28490 -0.28%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01184 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00207 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09395 -0.21%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28490 -0.28%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01184 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00207 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09395 -0.21%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28490 -0.28%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01184 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00207 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09395 -0.21%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28490 -0.28%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01184 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00207 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09395 -0.21%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28490 -0.28%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01184 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00207 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09395 -0.21%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28490 -0.28%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01184 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00207 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09395 -0.21%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28490 -0.28%
03 October 2024

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 5

Rahmon Approves New Leadership of Anti-Corruption Agency

Tajikistan's Anti-Corruption Agency has undergone a change of personnel. By decree of President Emomali Rakhmon, Sukhrob Safarzoda has been dismissed from the post of First Deputy Director of the agency, and replaced by Barot Rasuli. Muzaffar Ahmadzoda was also removed from the post of Deputy Director, with Firuz Kamolzoda appointed in his place. Meanwhile, Hilolbi Kurbonzoda became Deputy Director of the State Service Agency, and Firuz Sharifzoda became First Deputy Head of the Main Department for Protection of State Secrets. President Rahmon held meetings with the new heads, drawing their attention to the shortcomings and problems that exist in the work of not only just these state bodies, but also others.

Tokayev Outlines Vision for New Government of Kazakhstan

Following a tumultuous week, just a day after appointing a new prime minister, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired an extended government meeting on February 7th. The meeting was attended by ministers, including the new Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, the chairman of the National Bank, governors of Kazakhstan’s regions, and the mayors of the country’s three largest cities of Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent. Tokayev reported that last year the economy grew by 5.1%, but stressed that there is still work to be done. “We need a new impetus for the government's activities. It has a clear target — to increase the economy to $450bn by 2029. To achieve this goal, the country's GDP must grow by at least 6% annually. At the same time, it is important that macroeconomic indicators ensure rapid growth in the real incomes of our citizens,” the President said. Tokayev spoke of the need to make budget and tax policies function better. The problem, the President said, is the way budget funds are allocated, which is not currently aimed at stimulating economic activity. He added that budget funds are spent on day-to-day tasks, while larger strategic goals fade into the background. “The government will have to define clear spending priorities with an emphasis on obtaining maximum economic returns,” he said. The President stated that a new Tax Code is currently being drafted, which will aim to provide a balance between creating a good investment environment and maintaining the required level of budget revenues. Tokayev also pointed out that the share of investment in fixed capital is declining, stating that “it is necessary to significantly increase the influx of external and internal investment. This is a key task for the newly-established Investment Headquarters.” According to his speech, another source of funds should be the return of illegally withdrawn assets, which could be used to implement important projects. At the same time, Tokayev warned against going too far: “Arbitrariness on the part of law enforcement agencies is unacceptable. There will be a harsh reaction on my part to every such signal. This work is of great importance from the point of view of ensuring social justice, so no one is allowed to discredit it,” he said. Another priority task is the development of the agro-industrial sector, and the rational use of water resources. “The problems that hinder the development of the agro-industrial sector are well known, the most acute of which is chronic underfunding. Lack of investment leads to wear and tear of agricultural machinery, low yields, and low labor productivity. Therefore, it is necessary to maximize, if possible double, the financing of agriculture, attracting not only budget money, but also funds from other sources, including second-tier banks.” The government resigned en masse on Monday; changes had been expected by inside observers, as prior to the resignation, Tokayev had increasingly expressed his dissatisfaction with progress in addressing socioeconomic issues, and with stagnation in general. Over the past two years, Tokayev has implemented sweeping reforms aimed at democratizing the country...

Understanding the Changes in the Kazakhstan Government

On February 5th, President Tokayev dismissed the country's government by signing a decree on its’ resignation. The move was expected following weeks of discontent expressed by the president. On an aggregate level, the country has had a successful 2023. Significant reforms were passed and Kazakhstan made substantial diplomatic gains. Economic growth was near 5%, and $13.3 billion in foreign investment was secured in the first six months of 2023. This was achieved despite supply chain disruptions brought on by the Russia-Ukraine war. However, Smailov’s and his cabinet have failed to reel in inflation and attract additional investments to the country. The Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan, did not succeed in preparing a new Tax Code of Kazakhstan. The Minister of Emergency Situations is also under fire for its dysfunctional earthquake early warning systems which became known during a recent quake that scared Almaty residents. While certain ministers are anticipated to retain their positions, others are expected to be replaced. The Presidential Administration, along with Tokayev, have consistently shown their willingness to make bold decisions when required.

Kazakhstan’s Government Resigns Amidst Sweeping Reforms

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has dismissed the country's government by signing a decree on its’ resignation. According to the Constitution of Kazakhstan, First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar will temporarily perform the duties of Prime Minister (PM). At the same time, all other ministers will continue to work in the same mode until the head of state approves the composition of the new government. The resignation of former Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov's government underscores a shift in Kazakhstan's political scene. Smailov assumed office on January 11th, 2022, following public discontent that erupted into riots. During his tenure, many events transpired, but the most memorable for the population were serious problems with municipal heating in a number of regions; forest fires in the Kostanay and Abay regions; explosions at mines in the Karaganda region, and the earthquake in Almaty. All this evoked plenty of criticism regarding the composition of the government. While the precise reasons behind the resignation remain undisclosed, it serves to highlight the dynamic nature of politics in Kazakhstan. Further details, including the process of this transition and potential candidates for the roles vacated, are expected in the next two days following an extended meeting of the government with the participation of Tokayev. Prior to the government’s resignation, Tokayev had increasingly expressed dissatisfaction with progress in addressing socioeconomic issues and stagnation in general. Over the past two years, Tokayev has implemented sweeping reforms aimed at democratizing the country and breaking up economic monopolies. "In Kazakhstan and in general, a change of government is perceived as a crisis phenomenon, but it is by no means a crisis phenomenon here,” said Director of the Eurasian Monitoring Center, Alibek Tazhibayev. “One should proceed from the fact that the economic and political situation is changing. Therefore, we can say that this government, which acted under the leadership of Alikhan Smailov for more than two years, coped with their key tasks. They had the main goal of passing deep-rooted reforms, holding a referendum, launching the mechanism of democratization, and implementing the concept of a 'Listening State'." In a post on his Facebook account, Smailov expressed his "gratitude to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his trust in heading the Kazakh government in such a difficult time. These two years were a turning point for the society," he stated.

Major Reshuffle in Turkmenistan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry: New Deputy Ministers Appointed

On December 11th, Turkmenistan's President, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, conducted a comprehensive meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. The meeting was attended by the heads of diplomatic missions, consular offices, and representative offices of Turkmenistan at international organizations. The focus of the meeting was on personnel changes within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. President Berdimuhamedov announced several significant changes in the diplomatic service. A. Khaljanov was relieved from his roles as the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN Office in Geneva and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Swiss Confederation due to his transfer to another position. Khadzhiev, previously serving as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, was appointed as the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN office in Geneva and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Swiss Confederation, succeeding Khaljanov. Gurbanov, who served as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran, was appointed as the new Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. Myatiev was dismissed from his position as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs due to his transfer to another role. Lastly, S. Muhammetdurdyev, the head of the Department of State Protocol and International Relations of the Office of the President of Turkmenistan, was concurrently appointed as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.