There is macroeconomic stability in Kazakhstan, GDP growth stands at 8% and the inflation level does not exceed 4.5%. Apart from that, the business climate is improving and the country’s export activity in the world markets is being recovered. The Cabinet believes the results are achieved through an integrated anti-crisis measures, including the Road map and industrial programs. Concerning Kazakhstan’s economic development, the minister of the corresponding office Zhanar Aitzhanova stressed that industrial production grew by 11% due to processing industry in the first place, particularly, mechanical engineering. The dynamics are also common for the mining and chemical sectors, the food industry and agriculture.

Zhanar Aitzhanova, Kazakhstani minister for trade and economic development:
- Measures addressed by the government concerning the expansion of domestic demand and maintenance of business activity in the country as well as an anti-crisis program and the creation of a basis for post-crisis development made a considerable contribution to economic recovery.

In general, industrial enterprises produced products for five and a half trillion tenge. Last year’s indicators were exceeded in all areas, but the greatest growth is observed in Pavlodar, Kostanai, South Kazakhstani and Almaty regions. The main reason for the growth of production is starting of 72 projects in the industrialization map. The same number of projects is to be launched in the second half of the year.

Albert Rau, Vice-Minister of Industry and New Technologies of RK:
- Now the goal is to bring these projects to full capacity, so that already this year we could feel their positive influence on the main macroeconomic indicators. It is the priorities of local governments.

Government measures in the labour market allowed for a reduction in unemployment rate and in the second quarter it made up 5.8%. More than 140,000 jobs were created with about a half of them in the rural areas. Budget policy has its own specific advantages. Tax revenues increased by almost 20% in the first six months through the introduction of new customs duties, a reduction in unemployment levels as well as an increase in advance payments, debt repayments and VAT. However, according to Finance Minister Bolat Zhamishev, tax and payment arrears still amount to 150 billion tenge at the beginning of the second half-year period. Apart from that, almost 97 billion tenge remains undrawn due to savings on state purchases and non-performed tenders. The Minister for agriculture Akhylbek Kurishbayev reported on the elimination of the consequences of the drought. About 400 thousand tonnes of grain from Prodkorporatsiya will be transferred to the western regions from the north and the debts of agrarians who fell victim to the drought will be reconsidered. Funds from the government reserve will be channeled towards supporting the livestock sector and a reduction in price of forage in particular. In addition to this, the ministry of agriculture is planning to create a reserve stock of seed and prop up private farm holdings in fodder conservation.

Akylbek Kurishbayev, Minister of Agriculture of RK:
- Implementing all these measures will ensure the necessary level of food grains for Western region, support agricultural producers affected by drought, prevent the reduction of livestock, thus preserving the stability of the industry.

While summing up the results, the head of the government positively appraised the country’s social and economic development in the first six-month period.

Karim Masimov, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan:
- Those results, reported by the ministers about the first half, inspire us with optimism. Those instructions, which were given by the head of state, they are implemented. But life goes on, we should not stop on the achieved results.

Already in the middle of August, the government will discuss the draft of revised budget for 2010. There are some of important issues, said Karim Masimov, which require detailed study. They are the OSCE summit in Kazakhstan, the forthcoming Asian Games, the second half of the industrial and innovation program, issues in agriculture and the adoption of programs for education, health and occupation.