Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov held a meeting at the Digital Office of the Government to implement the instructions given by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in January this year.

The issues of stabilizing prices for socially significant food products and ensuring youth employment were considered.

Most of all, prices for socially important food products increased in the capital by 1.5%, Akmola region — 1.4%, Aktobe region — 1.1% and Zhambyl region — 1%. The Head of Government criticized the work of the akimats of these regions, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture in providing the population with socially significant food products at affordable prices.

“Akims and the Ministry of Agriculture did not form the minimum amount of stabilization funds, did not allocate sufficient funds under the revolving scheme, exercise little control over trade allowances. In fact, the work to curb the rise in prices for socially important food products is left to chance. Your task is to provide our population with essential goods at affordable prices,” Smailov emphasized.

The Prime Minister instructed the central state bodies and akimats to strengthen price control for each item of food, ensure the necessary volumes in the stabilization funds and ensure the allocation of additional funding for the revolving scheme.

“Strengthen the work of regional commissions to investigate pricing chains and monitor compliance by retailers with the allowable size of the trade markup,” Smailov said.

In order to reduce the level of youth unemployment, the Head of Government instructed the Ministry of Labor, together with the ministries of national economy and finance, to increase the duration of participation and the amount of remuneration for the Youth Internship and First Job projects.

Thus, the amount of wages for these projects is planned to be increased from 20-25 MCI to 30 MCI. The terms of Youth Internship will be increased from 6 to 12 months, First Job — from 12 to 18 months.

“Issues of training, career guidance and employment of young people require increased attention. The relevant items will be included in the Government Action Program for 2022,” Smailov emphasized.