President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered the production of high-tech steel grades for the automotive industry and other industries, LS reports.
The head of state recalled that the Karaganda plant (Qarmet) was transferred to the national investor on the terms of a comprehensive modernization of the enterprise. And to ensure uninterrupted operation of the plant and prevent accidents, it is necessary to restore the mines as soon as possible, strengthen industrial safety, and update the material and technical base. The president also added that large-scale investments are needed in the creation of new industries and the production of goods with high added value.
“It is necessary to establish the production of high-tech steel grades for the automotive industry and other industries. Over the next five years, the enterprise must significantly increase production and regain the status of one of the leaders in metallurgy in the CIS,” Tokayev instructed.
During his speech, the head of state also listed a list of promising areas that should be paid attention to: road and construction equipment, equipment for the energy sector, reclamation systems, finished metal products.
“If such production is not created in Kazakhstan now, then the total import of equipment will become chronic. Therefore, it is important that industrial policy is consistent with plans to modernize infrastructure and develop the mineral resources complex. The domestic automotive industry has made some progress here,” the president noted.
Tokayev emphasized that now it is necessary to consistently move to a more complex level of car assembly. He noted that it is necessary to strengthen other promising sectors of the manufacturing industry.
“At the same time, business should be oriented towards the fact that after our market is saturated, it will have to export. This will be an indicator of the high competitiveness of domestic entrepreneurs,” Tokayev added.
He noted that in general it is necessary to give a new impetus to the industrial development of the country. And for this, the head of state recalled, a separate ministry was created last year.
“Enough time has passed; it’s time to show concrete results. The ministry should develop guidelines for the industry and investors. Specific measures and approaches that would stimulate investment in new high-tech production have not yet been developed,” the president emphasized.
According to the head of state, a list of breakthrough projects has been prepared, but requires thorough revision. Tokayev noted that these industries should change the structure of the economy, create a strong industrial framework and points of technological growth. However, the president noted that all this has not yet happened. In particular, funding sources have not been identified for many of the projects.
At the same time, according to the president, large-scale and innovative projects that lay the foundation for economic growth for many years to come should receive priority state support.
“We are talking about both the modernization of existing production facilities and the development of completely new industrial sectors for our country. The government will have to intensify a constructive dialogue with international financial institutions, transnational corporations and domestic businesses. In general, there must be answers to the questions of what the industrial appearance of Kazakhstan will be, which enterprises will play an important role tomorrow. We need to act proactively, in accordance with the requirements of the time,” Tokayev emphasized.
In addition, the president separately focused on the modernization of existing production facilities. According to him, we should start with metallurgical plants, whose condition is at a low level.
“The reason is known – the lack of investment in modernization and expansion of production. As a result, added value of products and quality jobs are lost. Strict control over maintaining the technical condition of enterprises is also extremely important. We have before our eyes a situation where an investor siphoned off profits, ignoring issues of enterprise modernization, ecology, and labor safety,” the president noted.
At the same time, Tokayev recalled that he had repeatedly raised the issue of establishing strong medium-sized businesses in the industrial sector. However, he added, a systematic action plan was never developed. The head of state noted that there are no answers yet to questions about what the priorities should be and what support will be provided to entrepreneurs.
“We have opportunities for the emergence of new advanced production facilities. For example, large oil and gas and mining and metallurgical companies must introduce technological innovations when developing subsoil, changing the structure of the national economy,” the president concluded.
