Today, September 8, Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered his Address to the Nation at a joint session of the Parliament chambers.

The President emphasized that digital technologies are rapidly transforming the global labor market, while demand for specialists with skills in artificial intelligence continues to grow. In this regard, by the order of the Head of State, the Al-Sana program has been launched, designed to engage up to 100,000 students in high-tech projects.

Particular attention was given to the integration of science, education, and innovation. The President noted that the state remains the main contributor to the development of science, but the return on budgetary investments in the form of new patents, technologies, and industries is still insufficient.

The Address also highlighted that the development of the pharmaceutical industry is one of the strategically important priorities. Increasing the volume and range of domestically produced medicines is of special significance, particularly in light of the recent pandemic experience.

“The strategic task of the Government is to minimize the dependence of the national food market on imports. Of course, achieving 100 percent self-sufficiency is impossible and, perhaps, unnecessary. But the current state of our market is a disgrace.

Moreover, it is necessary to actively promote traditional national products to foreign markets. Therefore, a concrete plan for agricultural exports is needed, taking into account logistics, veterinary and phytosanitary standards, as well as a sound marketing strategy,” — the Head of State stressed.

📌 The full text of the Address is available on the official website of Akorda.

Photo: www.akorda.kz