Share of SMEs in Kazakhstan's economy to double by 2050 - Nazarbayev

First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Bakytzhan Sagintayev read out a letter from President Nursultan Nazarbayev to participants of the congress. In his message, President Nazarbayev noted there are more than 1,2 million enterprises and private entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan. Currently, nearly 3 million people are employed in small-sized and medium business sector and these people have a huge impact on social wellbeing of the entire nation. "Development of entrepreneurship is one of strategic priorities for Kazakhstan. Share of SMEs in country's economy should double by 2050. Obviously, this ambitious goal requires consolidation of efforts both on the part of business sector and government," the message reads. Nursultan Nazarbayev reminded that over the past couple of years Kazakhstan has taken unprecedented steps to support domestic entrepreneurs and create favorable climate for investments. Given the unique conditions created, the goal is to develop private entrepreneurial initiative. The National Chamber of Entrepreneurs is to play a paramount role in that process. According to the Head of State, ‘presently the global economy is facing a big challenge that hugely affects our inner market. At the same time, this situation provides new opportunities. In this light, the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs is expected to come up with effective decisions aimed at further development of entrepreneurship in the country'. The Kazakh President was confident the congress will find ‘the right solutions' called to improve and develop business environment in Kazakhstan.