Political Reforms Must for Economic Transformation of Kazakhstan : DG KazSSI

Tazeen Akhtar from Kazakhstan

Astana: 26 April 2023 – Director General Kazakhstan Institute of Strategic Studies ( KazISS )Mr. Yerkin Tukumov has said that economic transformation is not possible without political reforms. Half of the wealth of the Republic was accumulated in 162 people only. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev want demanupulation of the resources of the state. We have to diversify the economy. We have to transform petro-chemical sector. We do not rely upon oil and gas only.

The DG was sharing his views with a group of international journalists on the constitutional reforms in his country that culminated into the recent parliamentary elections of March 19, 2023. The journalists from Asia and European countries visited Astana the Capital City to observe the outcome of the reforms and the elections.

Mr. Yerkin Tukumov termed pluralism, public participation, improvement in political culture and governance, dialogue among communities as key elements for the new Kazakhstan.
He expressed himself on regional and international affairs in response to some questions from the journalists. This scribe asked about Kazakhstan Pakistan and Central Asia South Asia connectivity prospects in light of Kazakhstan as the gateway to the regions. Other journalists questioned about the statement of China and Russia Ukraine.

Director General replied ” South Asia is big market for Kazakhstan but the present level of trade is not according to the potential. Peace and stability in Afghanistan is necessary to utilize the trade and connectivity opportunities.”” Kazakhstan is hosting Central Asia Cooperation Forum in July 2023. We will see in this forum what we can do for not only Central Asia but whole Asia as well. We have invited experts on this topic to share their experiences and suggest the way forward, DG noted.
To a question about a statement from Spokesperson of Foreign Ministry of China(about the legitimacy of CARs), the Director General said, ” China has not issued a statement that you are refering to. It was misunderstood by the media. We raised the matter with Gov of China. The concerned officials contradicted the statement.”

On Russia Ukraine, to a question, Mr. Yerkin Tukumov answered, ” Kazakhstan does not take side on this crisis. Kazakhstan has its internal matters to settle. We will not allow the secession on the basis of the Russian language.”

As representative from Pakistan, this scribe appreciated the efforts by the leadership, think tanks and intellectuals of the Republic of Kazakhstan to bring a better change in their country for the welfare of their people through constitutional reforms aimed at shifting the powers to public representative at the gross root level. Empowerment of women and youth is the key pillar of these reforms that can revolutionize the society and the economy of the state. Kazakhstan is not a land locked country but actually it is a gateway to the regions of Central Asia, Eurasia, South Caucus , and Europe. Pakistan is looking forward to have direct approach and access between Islamabad and Astana or Almaty as soon as possible.