ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 14. Prime Minister of
Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov has issued instructions to revise the
approaches to the development of the country’s light industry
sector, Trend reports
via the press service of the Kazakh government.


The matter was addressed during a dedicated meeting on the
development of the light industry.


Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik
Zhumangarin emphasized the social significance of the sector,
noting that women constitute 60% of the workforce in Kazakhstan’s
light industry.


Minister of Industry and Construction Yersayin Nagaspayev
presented a report detailing the current state of the sector,
existing challenges, and prospects for further development.


Meanwhile, it was highlighted that Kazakhstan’s manufacturing
sector has expanded by 9.9% since the beginning of 2026, while
output in the light industry sector has increased 2.2-fold.
Nevertheless, the industry continues to face a significant reliance
on imports.







The discussions also focused on measures to enhance processing
capacities and expand the production of finished goods. Key topics
included the modernization of enterprises, the development of
processing facilities, increased localization, workforce training,
and strengthening the competitiveness of domestic producers.


Special attention was given to support measures for Kazakh
manufacturers, including initiatives through the national register
of domestic producers of goods, works, and services.


“An important task set by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is
strengthening the country’s economic potential. With the adoption
of the new Economic Code, the government is intensifying the
development of the manufacturing sector. The results of the first
four months of this year demonstrate stable growth in processing
industries. Light industry has high social significance, and we
need to expand support measures for domestic producers,” Bektenov
said.


Following the meeting, the prime minister stressed the need to
create a model that would provide additional incentives for Kazakh
manufacturers to increase production while ensuring guaranteed
sales markets.