The government has approved a Comprehensive Action Plan to Combat the Shadow Economy for 2026–2028. The document sets targets for reducing the share of the shadow economy in GDP and provides for the introduction of digital tools to increase the transparency of economic processes.
WHAT THE APPROVED PLAN PROVIDES
According to MIA Kazinform, the plan was approved by a resolution of the Government, which came into force on the day it was signed.
According to the document, in line with the Concept for the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2030, the level of shadow turnover in the economy should be no more than 14.5% of GDP in 2026, no more than 14% in 2027, and no more than 13.8% in 2028.
The document notes that the shadow sector of the economy poses a threat to the state's economic security, hinders the development of small and medium-sized businesses, reduces the level of competition, and decreases revenue to the state budget.
WHICH SECTORS HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED AS PRIORITY
The comprehensive plan covers five priority areas:
- healthcare and social services;
- trade;
- education;
- construction;
- agriculture.
However, the list is not exhaustive. The document states that it may be adjusted if new areas susceptible to the use of grey schemes are identified.
WHAT ROLE IS ASSIGNED TO DIGITALISATION
Digitalisation is identified as one of the key areas of the plan. It provides for the creation of a digital platform for cross-referencing data from tax, customs, labour, and sectoral information systems. It is assumed that such a mechanism will make it possible to identify the most vulnerable areas where grey schemes are used, as well as to track their movement between economic sectors.
In the production sector, the document provides for digital traceability in agriculture, the oil and gas industry, and construction, as well as the integration of digital systems with customs platforms to monitor the movement of products.
In the sphere of trade and services, the plan includes a transition to digital marketplace formats (Digital bazaar), the expansion of goods labelling, and the automation of control over the circulation of excisable and socially significant products.
In the social sphere, the plan includes the introduction of automated systems for verifying services, price monitoring, and compliance auditing to reduce the risks of fictitious transactions and the misuse of budget funds.
Furthermore, the document states that the automation of procedures should help reduce corruption risks by minimising the human factor.
ON WHAT PRINCIPLES IS THE DOCUMENT BASED
The comprehensive plan has been developed taking into account the current principles of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). These include the use of near-real-time data, early identification of risks, voluntary legalisation instead of pressure on business, and management based on measurable results.
The document also notes that, during the preparation stage, measures involving the introduction of new obligations for businesses or the tightening of regulations were excluded.
Artificial intelligence tools are planned to be used to monitor the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and to assess progress towards achieving the established targets.
The resolution has already entered into force.
