BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 4. Kazakhstan plans to complete the creation of a unified digital product traceability system by the end of this year to improve monitoring of domestic goods, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said at a government meeting.
According to Bektenov, the system will be developed on the basis of the National Product Catalogue and integrated with data from the State Revenue Committee, the Register of Domestic Producers and other information systems. "Without reliable data, it is impossible to assess the real share of domestic products and the effectiveness of government support. The Ministry of Trade, together with relevant state bodies, must complete the formation of a unified digital product traceability system based on the National Product Catalogue by the end of the year," Bektenov said.
The digital platform is expected to provide more accurate information on the origin of goods, improve transparency in assessing the share of locally produced products and help government agencies better evaluate the impact of support measures for domestic manufacturers.
The Prime Minister said that digital tools should become one of the key elements in strengthening the position of Kazakh producers on the domestic market.
He also emphasized the need to improve conditions for domestic companies in retail networks, noting that some producers continue to face barriers when accessing store shelves, including high rental costs. "Domestic manufacturers of consumer goods often face limited access to retail space, including due to high rental costs. This restrains the expansion of Kazakh products on the domestic market and reduces their competitiveness. I believe that owners of retail chains should reconsider their attitude toward Kazakh-made goods," Bektenov said.
He added that giving preference to imported goods at the expense of domestic products is unacceptable.
The government instructed the Ministry of Trade, together with state bodies, regional authorities and the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, to develop mechanisms to provide more favorable rental conditions for domestic producers, including companies in light industry and household chemicals.
Bektenov also called for stronger protection of Kazakh brands from unfounded information campaigns. "There are cases of deliberate information campaigns aimed at discrediting popular Kazakh-made products, particularly food and confectionery goods. This is done with one goal — to push out competitors and capture the market," he said.
The Ministry of Culture and Information was instructed to organize a unified information campaign to promote the national "Kazakhstan-made" brand, increase awareness of domestic products and protect producers from unjustified attacks.
In addition, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of developing sectors with export potential, including agriculture and light industry. He instructed relevant authorities to ensure timely implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for the Development of Light Industry until 2030 and expand support for livestock projects aimed at increasing meat production and strengthening Kazakhstan’s position among major meat exporters.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan's Vice Minister of Trade and Integration Aset Nusupov told Trend that existing Kazakhstan's National Product Catalogue (NPC) creates new opportunities for cross-border interaction.
According to the vice minister, for trade digitalization, the NPC has become a point of integration for various systems. In particular, its interaction with electronic invoices, cash registers, and the public procurement portal ensures seamless data exchange between market participants. "No transaction remains in the 'shadow'. I would like to emphasize that this regulatory measure is not aimed at excessive control, but at creating a secure and trusted environment for trade," Nusupov emphasized.
