BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 21. Kazakhstan has
approved a Comprehensive Action Plan to Combat the Shadow Economy
for 2026–2028, which sets targets for reducing the share of
unregistered economic activity.


This is reflected in the statement published by the government
of Kazakhstan.


The relevant government decree was signed by Prime Minister of
Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov. The plan was developed by the Ministry
of Finance together with other state bodies in line with government
measures aimed at improving economic transparency and reducing
informal business activity.


According to the approved roadmap, Kazakhstan plans to reduce
the share of the shadow economy from 16.7% of GDP at the end of
2025 to 14.5% in 2026, 14% in 2027 and 13.8% by 2028.


The action plan includes 53 measures aimed at improving data
exchange between government agencies, expanding digital monitoring
mechanisms and strengthening oversight in sectors with a higher
level of informal activity.


The measures will focus on areas including wholesale and retail
trade, construction, transport and logistics, agriculture, as well
as healthcare and education.







One of the key elements of the plan is the development of
digital systems that will integrate information from tax, customs,
labor and industry-related databases to improve risk assessment and
identify potential violations.


The Ministry of Finance also plans to expand the use of digital
tools in trade operations, including the Digital Bazaar platform
for traditional markets, product labeling systems and automated
tracking mechanisms for certain categories of goods.


"Digital tools for monitoring the quality of services provided,
price monitoring, and budgetary efficiency will be introduced in
the social sector. The "Digital Tenge" project, already used in the
implementation of certain government programs and ensuring
transparency in the flow of public funds, will be further expanded.
The comprehensive plan does not envisage increasing the
administrative burden on businesses. The primary focus is on
digitalization, process automation, the use of artificial
intelligence, and modern analytical tools," the statement of Kazakh
government notes.


According to the government, the implementation of the plan will
focus on risk-based approaches and improving voluntary compliance
among businesses.