SEOUL, January 10 (AJP) -
President Tokayev Meets with Mayors of Local Governments
Last year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed a dialogue platform for rural akims (mayors), outlining his vision for the long-term development of remote areas.
Kazakhstan’s Political Reforms: Evolution Instead of Shock Change
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is implementing a large-scale transformation of Kazakhstan’s political system by pursuing an evolutionary path of development based on institutional reform and a carefully calibrated sequence of actions.
Since 2019, Kazakhstan has adopted around twenty laws aimed at modernizing its political system. Following a nationwide referendum, constitutional amendments were introduced that redistributed powers among the branches of government. The role of Parliament was strengthened, the accountability of the executive branch was enhanced, and new judicial institutions were established, including the Constitutional Court and cassation courts.
A defining feature of these reforms has been their focus on practical outcomes. Democratic mechanisms are viewed not as formal procedures, but as tools for improving the quality and effectiveness of public governance. This approach reflects a clear understanding that political stability and legal predictability are critical to sustainable development.
Kazakhstan’s experience demonstrates that profound political transformation is possible without abrupt disruptions, offering an alternative model of reform in an era of global uncertainty.
The introduction of direct elections of rural akims has become one of the most significant reforms in Kazakhstan’s system of public administration. This process was implemented gradually over five years, allowing the country to avoid governance disruptions and to adapt institutions to new conditions.
More than 2,300 rural akims have been elected nationwide, with an average age of 43. Notably, around one-third of them had no prior experience in public service.
The reform has stimulated the development of political parties in the regions and expanded opportunities for independent candidates. According to sociological surveys, the level of trust rural residents place in their akims exceeds 80 percent, indicating increased efficiency and transparency in local governance.
By launching democratization at the grassroots level, Kazakhstan is building a sustainable foundation for the further expansion of citizen participation in decision-making processes.
Why Rural Development Has Become a Strategic Priority for Kazakhstan
The President of Kazakhstan views the development of rural areas as a matter of strategic importance that goes beyond social policy. Rural regions play a key role in ensuring food security, social stability, and balanced territorial development.
In recent years, under the personal oversight of President Tokayev, hundreds of healthcare and educational facilities have been built in rural areas, while access to digital infrastructure has been significantly expanded. State support for the agricultural sector has contributed to strong growth in gross agricultural output, which has exceeded 8 trillion tenge (15.73 billion USD).
Particular emphasis is placed on increasing the economic self-sufficiency of rural districts, developing cooperation mechanisms, and supporting entrepreneurship. The primary objectives are to create sustainable jobs, reduce regional dependence on budgetary transfers, and improve living standards.
Thus, Kazakhstan’s rural policy has become an integral component of its long-term national development strategy. It was within this framework that the decision was made to introduce a system of direct elections of rural akims. Over the past five years, the reform has been implemented in stages. As a result, more than 2,300 rural akims have passed through the electoral process, with only 30 percent coming from the public service system, while the majority represent political parties or were elected as self-nominated candidates.
Kazakhstan has demonstrated a progressive approach to democratizing the executive branch to the international community and has empowered citizens to directly manage local affairs.
Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence: Why Kazakhstan Is Acting at an Accelerated Pace
The President of Kazakhstan has set an ambitious goal: to transform Kazakhstan into a fully digital state within three years. In his address at the dialogue platform of rural akims, President Tokayev emphasized that digitalization is not merely a technological direction, but a strategic factor for the country’s survival and development.
He stressed that building a Digital Kazakhstan is impossible without the full integration of rural areas and the agricultural sector. Digital platforms are expected to become key instruments for improving governance efficiency, enhancing the quality of public services, and enabling more accurate allocation of resources.
Kazakhstan clearly recognizes the risks of technological lag. Accelerated modernization is therefore viewed as a means of avoiding marginalization in the global knowledge-based economy.
The use of digital platforms and artificial intelligence technologies opens new opportunities for improving the efficiency of budget allocation, monitoring agricultural production, forecasting yields and risks, increasing transparency and accountability of local authorities.
The President also noted that in recent years a solid infrastructural foundation for rural digitalization has been established. Thousands of rural schools have been connected to high-quality internet, access to digital services is expanding, and the level of self-sufficiency of rural districts continues to grow.
These measures create favorable conditions for the introduction of advanced digital solutions in agriculture — from electronic accounting and logistics to online access to public services and educational resources.
Special emphasis was placed on the idea that digitalization of rural areas should help narrow the gap in living standards between urban and rural communities. The President underlined that digital technologies have the potential to transform daily life, access to services, and economic opportunities for rural residents.
In this context, digitalization is viewed not only as a technological tool, but also as a social instrument aimed at strengthening internal stability and reducing regional disparities.
The President’s address directly connects national objectives with global processes. References to large-scale technological initiatives undertaken by leading powers highlight Kazakhstan’s awareness that the technological race is systemic in nature and demands timely and strategic responses.
Reforms and Stability: How Kazakhstan Responds to Global Uncertainty
Measures to support economic growth, develop the private sector, and expand exports are complemented by political and administrative reforms. This comprehensive approach reflects a clear understanding of the interdependence between economic performance and political stability.
At a time of weakening global institutions, Kazakhstan is demonstrating a reform model focused on long-term resilience, business support, and the protection of national interests.
New Opportunities for Kazakhstan–Korea Cooperation in Agriculture and Rural Development
The ongoing reforms in Kazakhstan’s rural governance, digitalization, and agricultural policy open tangible opportunities for deepening cooperation with the Republic of Korea, particularly in the agro-industrial sector. The combination of strengthened local self-government, increased budgetary autonomy of rural districts, and accelerated digital transformation creates a favorable environment for the introduction of advanced Korean technologies in smart agriculture, agri-processing, irrigation systems, and rural logistics.
South Korea’s experience in precision farming, agricultural digital platforms, food processing, and cooperative-based rural development aligns closely with Kazakhstan’s strategic goal of enhancing productivity, value-added production, and export potential in agriculture. These reforms also improve transparency and predictability at the local level, reducing investment risks and enabling Korean companies to engage more actively in regional projects, pilot farms, and joint ventures.
As a result, agricultural cooperation can become one of the key pillars of the Kazakhstan–Korea partnership, contributing to food security, sustainable rural growth, and mutually beneficial economic integration.
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