In 2009 Kazakhstan launched a far-reaching programme to diversify its sources of foreign direct investment. To support this effort, Kazakhstan asked the OECD to undertake a Sector Competitiveness Review. This report, which represents the first phase of the review, provides an assessment and strategy to help Kazakhstan enhance the competitiveness of its non-energy sectors including agri-business, fertilizers, logistics, business services and information technology. While it acknowledges that the government has successfully implemented a first generation of business climate reforms, the report recommends that sector-specific policy barriers be further addressed. For example, policy makers could stimulate quality improvements and modernise production in some sectors by facilitating access to finance, attracting modern retailers and addressing skills gaps in the workforce.

This review was carried out under the aegis of the OECD Eurasia Competitiveness Programme, a regional programme that contributes to economic growth and development in eleven countries of the former Soviet Union as well as Afghanistan and Mongolia.