President of Kazakhstan Qasym-Jomart Toqaev, delivering his state-of-the-nation address, ordered measures to further decriminalize economic offenses, the website infohub.kz reports.
The head of state noted that he continues to receive appeals from entrepreneurs who find themselves caught up in criminal prosecution under economic articles. "Therefore, measures should be taken to further decriminalize economic offenses," the President of Kazakhstan said.
He added that equal opportunities must be ensured for entrepreneurs, especially small and medium-sized businesses, and that the path to fair competition must be opened. According to the president, this requirement is not observed in some cases.
"For example, the value of imported goods is artificially undervalued. And access for domestic products to the domestic market is deliberately restricted. Frankly speaking, this is corruption. Therefore, such dubious practices must be stopped," Qasym-Jomart Toqaev stated.
He stressed that such a situation would undoubtedly significantly weaken the competitiveness of Kazakh companies and products. "It is absolutely clear that if we do not strictly suppress such actions, it will harm our economy. In other words, protecting business means strengthening the independence of the national economy. And it would not be superfluous to say that unlawfully obstructing business is a crime against the state," the head of state said.
According to the president, mechanisms for supporting entrepreneurs must be improved, that is, strengthened. This work can also be carried out within the framework of industry associations.