Kazakhstan eyeing leadership role in emerging industries via ‘Born Bold’ campaign

Kazakhstan’s recently launched campaign, ‘Born Bold’, seeks to diversify its economy and to position itself as a leader in key emerging industries, the country’s top diplomat in Qatar has said.

Ambassador Arman Issagaliyev said the campaign focuses on a wide range of sectors where Kazakhstan intends to be “bold” in the following areas: reforms, diplomacy, economy, investment, transport and transit, climate change, water security, food security and culture and tolerance. Speaking to the media in a recently held press conference, Issagaliyev said ‘Born Bold’ aims to showcase Kazakhstan’s “dynamic, forward-thinking approach” to economic growth, social progress, and innovation.

“The campaign promotes Kazakhstan’s economic diversification, reducing reliance on traditional sectors, and positioning the country as a leader in new industries, from AI and technology to renewable energy and finance,” the ambassador explained.

Issagaliyev said Kazakhstan has taken “enormous strides” over the last two years towards strengthening its democracy. He also noted that four policy reform packages, followed by a constitutional referendum, have changed one-third of the country’s Main Law, and reformed key institutions of power.

“The reforms have also made it possible to increase the level of mutual trust between the state and society and showed the unity of the position of all citizens regarding the future of the country,” he said. In diplomacy, Issagaliyev said: “As we forge ahead as a ‘Just Kazakhstan’, we are increasingly committed to responsible diplomacy and creating value for the global community.

“All external partners understand well what Kazakhstan stands for, seeing us as reliable and trusted partners. We will stay open and connected to the world, and ensure that we embody the notion of a ‘Global Kazakhstan’.”In 2023, Issagaliyev said Kazakhstan registered a 5.1% economic growth and aims to double GDP to $450bn by 2029. “To achieve this ambitious goal, we have to ensure an annual growth of 6-7% by building a modern knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy,” he pointed out. Also, in 2023, gross FDI inflow into Kazakhstan amounted to $23.4bn, and $5.7bn in the first quarter of 2024. “To double the volume of our economy by 2029, we plan to attract at least $150bn in FDIs. We have recently created a high-powered investment board to bolster decision-making and comprehensive end-to-end state support for strategic investment projects,” the ambassador said.

According to Issagaliyev, Kazakhstan’s strategic geographic location and its role as a transit hub for global trade routes underscore its role in global cooperation. The country’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the EU’s Global Gateway project has positioned the country as an important link between East and West, he noted.

For its climate change initiatives, he said Kazakhstan has bold ambitions for its clean energy sector, citing “immense solar and wind energy potential.” “In a matter of decades, these renewable sources will be the lifeblood of our economy and beyond,” Issagaliyev stressed. “The significant investments by major international renewables companies are a testament to this potential, and we look forward to working with our global partners, and with domestic companies, to accelerate the growth of our clean energy generation sector.

“We do not doubt that, before long, Kazakhstan will be a major green powerhouse, which exports renewable energy across Eurasia, including through the Green Middle Corridor,” Issagaliyev emphasised.