NEWS

Edward’s East Strategies has prepared monitoring papers of the most notable regulatory initiatives and personnel changes in republics of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan within the period May 15, 2023 – June 15, 2024.

The Majilis of Kazakhstan has approved draft laws aimed at decriminalizing economic offenses. In particular, it is said about customs payments evasion, illegal credit obtaining, economic smuggling, violations of accounting and financial reporting legislation. The bill is aimed at protecting the rights of citizens and the business community in criminal proceedings.

In turn, the Senate of Kazakhstan approved the Law “On Mass Media“. The document assumes an increase in the number of domestic television, radio programs and musical works to 60%.  The weekly volume of television and radio programs in the state (Kazakh) language should also increase to 60%.

In addition, the head of state signed a package of laws on the organic products regulation. Such products are produced without the use of fertilizers, which can harm soils, and artificial food additives.

In Uzbekistan, the President signed a law reducing liability for violations of tax reporting and product labeling rules. In particular, the penalty for violating the rules of mandatory digital labeling of goods by means of identification has been reduced by 98% (up to 2% of revenue).

In addition, the decree was signed on additional measures to join the WTO, which should stimulate competition between state-owned enterprises and private ones and facilitate the revision of customs duties in accordance with WTO rules.

The Agency for Technical Regulation has prepared the draft law that proposes to expand the rights of state inspectors and establish liability measures for the sale of low-quality products.

The overviews also provide other regulatory legal acts and appointments of interest to business.