Kazakhstan targets 5% GDP growth in 2026 - Ministry (Part 2)Kazakhstan's economy is projected to grow by at least 5% in the current year, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin stated on Wednesday."Our priority is raising household incomes. This year, real income growth should exceed 2-3%. This will be achieved by ensuring sustainable, qualitative economic growth and lowering inflation. Economic growth itself will be maintained at no less than 5%," Zhumangarin said at a government meeting.To reach that goal, fixed capital investment must rise to 18% of GDP, he said. The focus will be on developing non-resource industries, raising productivity, and accelerating technological upgrades and digitalization.The government plans a proactive investment policy, expanding business support and establishing a new state mechanism to launch high-value-added production facilities. Zhumangarin said authorities will take an active role in organizing strong, export-oriented projects.The national holding company Baiterek will be central to the effort, with plans to capitalize it with 1 trillion tenge this year. Overall, the real sector will receive support worth about 8 trillion tenge.Priority will be given to building clusters for deep processing to boost exports and replace imports, he added.Kazakhstan's growth target is more optimistic than forecasts from major international institutions. The International Monetary Fund sees 2026 growth at 4.4%, the World Bank at 4.5%, and the United Nations at 4.6%.The economy expanded 6.5% in 2025 and 4.8% in 2024, according to ministry data. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX