Tokayev criticized KTZ's performance and set new tasks

Tengrinews.kz — On November 13, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired an operational meeting of the Security Council to discuss transport and transit development.
The meeting reviewed prospects for developing international transport corridors and measures to strengthen the country's transit potential. Reports were presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Asel Zhanasova, Minister of Finance Madi Takiyev, and other government members regarding the current state of the industry, ongoing projects, and future development prospects.

"In his speech, the Chairman of the Security Council noted that a new global transport and logistics map is currently being formed. The Head of State emphasized that his recent Address to the people outlined the key directions for strengthening the country's transit potential. According to him, Kazakhstan must take a proactive stance in the international transport architecture. While our geographical position offers advantages, real competitiveness depends on factors such as speed, predictability, attractive tariffs, and shipping reliability," the Akorda press service noted.

It was also noted that the primary focus must be on increasing transit capacity, creating favorable conditions for domestic air carriers, and developing maritime transport.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev raised several concerns regarding the transport sector, noting that the timely adaptation of infrastructure is a defining factor for strategic development.

"Specifically, the Head of State sharply criticized the performance of JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy and set the task of increasing the company's efficiency by boosting profitability and optimizing processes, including through digitalization. The President emphasized the need to expand logistics centers, improve border and customs procedures, comprehensively digitalize all industry processes, and eliminate existing infrastructure barriers to ensure the seamless passage of goods," the Akorda statement said.

Furthermore, emphasis was placed on the importance of creating the most favorable conditions possible for investors and transport and logistics companies, while ensuring the principle of "Law and Order." In this context, the President commented on the detention of executives from the Samruk-Kazyna Fund and Kazakhstan Temir Zholy.
Following the meeting, relevant state bodies and organizations were issued instructions to further develop the transport and transit industry and enhance the competitiveness of international transport routes passing through Kazakhstan. Oversight has been assigned to the Office of the Security Council.
Notably, during the meeting, the President outlined the state's position regarding the high-profile detention of Samruk-Kazyna and KTZ executives. The President stated that all reports of corruption offenses involving officials at various levels will be promptly and thoroughly investigated.

"The corruption situation remains difficult, but we do not intend to hide anything from the public or bury our heads in the sand like an ostrich. We speak openly about both the state of affairs in this area and the measures taken or being taken to curb corruption. Therefore, all reports of corruption offenses by managers at various levels will be promptly and thoroughly checked by the KNB Anticorruption Service with the participation of the Prosecutor General's Office. There will be no division into 'our own,' 'not quite our own,' and certainly not 'outsiders.' Our Constitution enshrines the principle of equality of all citizens before the Law. We must fulfill this requirement," the Head of State emphasized during the Security Council meeting.

As a reminder, on November 12, the National Security Committee reported that the Anticorruption Service detained the Chairman of the Board of Samruk-Kazyna on November 11, Nurlan Zhakupov along with the head of KTZ. Elzhas Otynshiyev, along with other individuals on suspicion of committing a corruption crime.
According to official data, investigative actions are being carried out to establish all the circumstances of the case. No further information regarding the course of the pre-trial investigation has been previously disclosed by the NSC.