Astana, Kazakhstan – September 24, 2024

Kazakhstan's key economic policy challenges took center stage during the fourth meeting of the NAC Analytica Economists' Club. The event brought together top-tier experts from the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KISI), the Economic Research Institute, the Applied Economics Research Centre (AERC), as well as the “Talap” center for applied research to exchange insights.

The meeting kicked off with a detailed overview of the economic landscape in 2024. Experts pinpointed both the strengths and weaknesses shaping the country's economy, highlighting emerging trends that could steer the nation’s future growth.

A focal point of the discussion was inflation, with analysts flagging the role of fiscal stimulus, imported inflation from Russia, and rising costs in paid services, particularly utilities, as major drivers of inflationary pressure. Participants offered their inflation forecasts for the year, stressing the urgent need for stronger coordination between fiscal and monetary policies to temper inflation.

Another key topic was the pursuit of sustainable GDP growth. The panel emphasized that reducing the government’s role in the economy and accelerating institutional reforms are critical to ensuring long-term stability.

As the session drew to a close, the conversation turned to looming budget risks. Attendees assessed Kazakhstan’s fiscal policy and proposed a range of measures aimed at shrinking the budget deficit and improving the efficiency of public spending.

The meeting concluded with a set of recommendations that will be refined and incorporated into future discussions on public administration and economic policy, setting the stage for more informed decision-making across various platforms.

NAC Analytica is pleased to share our participation in the 76th Annual Conference of the World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR), which took place from September 19-22, 2023, in Salzburg, Austria. This prestigious event was hosted and co-organized by Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, showcasing the university's commitment to advancing public opinion research.

The conference was hosted by the Department of Sociology and Social Geography, with leadership provided by the Local Conference Chair, Prof. Wolfgang Aschauer, and the WAPOR Conference Chair, Prof. Holli Semetko from Emory University, USA.

It was a valuable experience for us, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the vibrant field of public opinion research. We look forward to continuing our engagement with the global research community and contributing to the advancement of this important field.