Kazakhstan plans to introduce differentiated tax rates on real estate owned by individuals, Minister of Economic Affairs and Budget Planning Yerbolat Dossayev said on the sidelines of a government meeting on Aug. 28. “We believe over 150 square metres of housing per person is a large piece of real estate … the minimum floor area would be 30-40 square metres per person … Taxes should be paid depending on the floor area of the real estate one owns. The bigger the asset is, the higher the tax is,” he said. He did not specify the tax rates, saying the details would be announced following the presentation of the draft law in the country’s Mazhilis (lower chamber of parliament). The country’s media reported earlier that Kazakhstan’s ministries seek to raise taxes on cars equipped with engines of 3-4 litres from the current 15 monthly calculation rates [$169] to 66 monthly calculation rates [$746], depending on the engine volume. On July 26, Kazakhstan’s Central Bank Governor Gregory Marchenko said the average salary in Kazakhstan stands at 105,000 tenge ($686).
President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev paid a working trip to the northern regions of the country. The President held a meeting with agricultural manufacturers in Kostanay. “Kostanay region produces about 30 percent of Kazakhstan’s grain. The region has a powerful industrial base, well-developed auto industry and strong primary sector. The situation here can be considered positive,” the President said at the meeting. Nazarbayev said that the grain yield nationally is expected to be 16 million tons this year and now it is important to focus on harvesting. “The government renders strong support. Speaking of the future, global food demand will increase by 50 percent over the next decade, as the world population is expected to increase by one billion people by 2030. It is crucial to enhance our efforts to establish processing enterprises,” the President said. “This regards not only grain, but also crude oil and ores. Manufacturing ensures the growth of economic indicators. By rendering state support to the agricultural complex now, we are preparing it for serious tests in the future, for great competition in the market.”
President Nursultan Nazarbayev has received the newly appointed deputies of the Kazakh Senate. The head of state noted that in accordance with Kazakhstan’s Constitution, 15 deputies of the Senate are appointed by the President. “Since previous members of the Senate have served their full term in office, I have invited you to announce that you have been appointed as members of the upper house of Parliament. I believe you are the most deserving candidates, having extensive experience that can be used in parliamentary work,” the President said. Nazarbayev also underlined the importance of the new appointment, which entails careful examination of all bills submitted to the chamber and the ability to maintain constructive discussion and protect Kazakhstan’s interests. The newly appointed senators thanked Nazarbayev for his trust and said they would play an active role in the lawmaking activity of the chamber in order to improve the life of Kazakhstan’s citizens.
Regional tours of the national contest for associations and people with disabilities are being held in Kazakhstan from August until October of this year. The main purpose of the contest is to promote the development of the creative potential and self-realisation of people with disabilities and promote effective integration of people with disabilities into society. A ceremony for awarding the winners and laureates of regional tours of the competition will be held at the national level. The contest has 10 categories: best social project, best athlete, best in profession, smart person, best student, best creator, most united family, golden pen, best dance, best performer.
