Kazakhstan Elevates Culture and Creative Industries: Minister Balayeva Unveils Ambitious Goals

Kazakhstan is making significant strides in nurturing its Kazakhstan Creative Industries. Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva recently outlined ambitious goals, emphasizing their crucial role in national development and economic growth, during the V Ulttyq Qurultay (National Assembly).

This significant event served as a vital platform, bringing together key national stakeholders. Members of Parliament, representatives from the creative community, and prominent public figures all participated in this important dialogue regarding the Kazakhstan Creative Industries.

Minister Balayeva herself moderated the Socio-Cultural Development section. She underscored the importance of the Ulttyq Qurultay as a regular forum for dialogue, addressing social issues, and defining development priorities for the Kazakhstan Creative Industries.

Previous Ulttyq Qurultay meetings have already led to tangible results, with twenty-six laws adopted and ongoing work on ten draft laws, alongside amendments to decrees and plans, demonstrating a commitment to progress in areas including the Kazakhstan Creative Industries.

The creative sector in Kazakhstan exhibits robust creative sector growth, currently employing approximately 143,600 individuals and contributing 1% to the nation’s gross added value. This vibrant sector encompasses 12 distinct sub-sectors, spanning 43 economic activity classifiers, with over 45,597 entities actively operating within this field, many concentrated in Almaty and Astana. Individual entrepreneurs constitute 70% of these entities, with folk crafts and the IT sector emerging as significant contributors to the Kazakhstan Creative Industries.

A cornerstone initiative is the establishment of a creative industry fund, in alignment with presidential instructions, poised to bolster the sector through four key areas: talent identification, project development, infrastructure enhancement, and export promotion for the Kazakhstan Creative Industries.

This Fund will draw its financing from a 3% deduction from the national lottery operator’s revenue. Venture investment will be a core operational mechanism. The Fund is set to organize competitions, develop project incubation programs, attract investment, and foster creative hubs. Facilitating access to state assets and supporting international market entry and copyright protection are also key objectives for the Kazakhstan Creative Industries.

Minister Balayeva further proposed strategic tax incentives designed to stimulate the creative sector. While the current retail tax regime would be maintained, recommendations for reduced VAT and corporate income tax rates are under consideration for the new Tax Code, aiming to foster innovation and encourage further creative sector growth within the Kazakhstan Creative Industries.

A critical focus is placed on the quality of content, particularly for children’s programming. The fund will prioritize age-appropriateness and consider the psychological impact on children, with educational value being paramount. A dedicated animation industry unit is planned, aiming to significantly boost the sector’s development and contribute to the overall strength of the Kazakhstan Creative Industries.

Beyond the immediate focus on the Kazakhstan Creative Industries, broader cultural goals were discussed, including the preservation of national traditions and the promotion of a reading nation. A commission will recommend books for translation, ensuring that contemporary young authors gain wider recognition.

Kazakhstan is also committed to fostering spiritual development and interfaith dialogue. The government actively works to preserve cultural heritage, supporting the traditions and customs of all ethnic groups, alongside language and educational initiatives for minorities.

Balayeva articulated the overarching goal of harmonious development, encompassing the building of internal ideology and the cultivation of an external image. The objective is to forge a competitive national identity while preserving unique Kazakhstan culture in a globalized world. This comprehensive approach underscores the nation’s commitment to a vibrant future, investing significantly in its cultural and economic potential to shape the evolving landscape of the Kazakhstan Creative Industries.