Kazakh President Signs Laws on World Bank Cooperation and Labor Safety

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed three new laws into force, covering international cooperation and domestic social policy. The texts of the laws have been officially published.

The first law ratifies a framework partnership agreement between the Government of Kazakhstan and three institutions of the World Bank Group: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Finance Corporation, and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency. The agreement is designed to expand cooperation aimed at promoting sustainable development and economic growth in Kazakhstan.

The partnership is expected to enhance tools for financing projects focused on economic growth, infrastructure development, and improving living standards. Key areas of cooperation include supporting macroeconomic and fiscal stability, developing agriculture, increasing access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses, modernizing infrastructure, and fostering innovation and digital technologies.

A second law ratifies protocols amending Articles 50(a) and 56 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. This ratification is intended to broaden Kazakhstan's opportunities for more active participation in shaping international aviation policy.

It also creates prerequisites for advancing the country's candidacy to bodies within the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The third law introduces amendments to several legislative acts concerning labor safety, protection of workers' rights, and social security. It aims to improve legislation protecting employees' labor rights and enhance the effectiveness of occupational safety and social protection systems.

The amendments affect a range of codes and laws governing public administration, procurement, and licensing. Notably, the law introduces licensing for activities related to providing special social services. It also expands the powers of local maslikhats (representative bodies) in awarding the title "Honorary Citizen." Furthermore, it modifies public procurement rules by allowing single-source contracting when purchasing services to assess the need for special social services.