During a government meeting chaired by the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, issues related to the development of IT service and product exports were discussed, as reported by Kazpravda.kz citing the press service of the cabinet.
The Prime Minister emphasized that several Kazakhstani projects, such as Alaqan, Codiplay, CITIX, CEREBRA, OGames, Parqour, and ApartX, have established themselves in foreign markets, including the USA, United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, and other countries. Key areas of work for further growth of IT service exports were highlighted.
“The Head of State has set the goal of increasing the level of IT exports to $1 billion by 2026. To achieve this objective, work is underway to create the necessary infrastructure and provide support for businesses in this sector. This has allowed the volume of Kazakhstan's IT service exports to grow more than 20 times in the last five years. Further efforts to increase IT service and product exports should focus on developing acceleration programs in the regions and expanding the circle of partner investors. Regional IT hubs and venture funds should become the driving forces,” noted Olzhas Bektenov.
The head of the government cited Astana Hub as an example, which has become an innovative cluster and a key partner for many startups. It was noted that participants in the technopark are provided with tax and visa preferences, as well as organized informational and educational support and business development programs.
The Ministry of Digital Development, together with local administrations, has been tasked with developing a roadmap to support regional IT hubs based on the example of Astana Hub and the Karaganda Terrikon Valley. Local administrations have been instructed to promptly address funding and support issues for regional hubs.
The Ministry of Digital Development has been tasked to complete the establishment and licensing of the management company Qazaqstan Venture Group by the end of March. Olzhas Bektenov emphasized the need to expedite the procedures for creating a Venture Fund, aiming to increase its volume to $1 billion by the end of 2025 in order to provide financial support for domestic startups.
Additionally, there is a task to digitize all procedures for conducting scientific and research activities. The Prime Minister pointed out that the relevant platform is already operational. It is essential to connect government bodies, the quasi-state sector, and subsoil users, which will enhance the demand for domestic innovative developments and facilitate their entry into international markets.
At the same time, it is important to promote technological entrepreneurship in the regions of Kazakhstan and create conditions for enhancing the competencies of Kazakh specialists based in regional IT hubs. The Ministry of Digital Development, together with interested government bodies, has been instructed to update the measures of state support for IT companies whose activities are aimed at exporting services and products.