On September 8, 2025, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan delivered a pointed address highlighting the uphill battle faced by Kazakhstani producers within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Speaking before government officials and lawmakers, Tokayev pulled no punches as he described the current state of affairs as “shameful,” emphasizing the urgent need to level the playing field for domestic businesses competing in the regional bloc.
According to reporting from bizmedia.kz, Tokayev’s remarks were rooted in a growing sense of frustration among Kazakhstani producers, particularly those in the agricultural sector. The president noted that, while Kazakhstan is not obliged to be entirely self-sufficient in food production, the nation must ensure “fair conditions for its own producers.” At present, he argued, this is far from reality. The domestic market remains heavily dependent on imports, and local businesses find themselves at a disadvantage compared to their counterparts in other EAEU member states.
“Our entrepreneurs do not receive the necessary level of state support compared to enterprises in other countries of the Eurasian Economic Union,” Tokayev stated, as reported by inbusiness.kz. “As a result, they are forced to cede even their own market to competitors, particularly in sectors like dairy production.” The president’s candor resonated with many in the hall, as he called the situation not just a technical issue but a matter of national dignity and economic sovereignty.
The EAEU, established in 2015, was designed to facilitate economic integration and free trade among its member states—Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. In practice, however, Tokayev contended that Kazakhstani businesses are not enjoying the benefits envisioned in the bloc’s founding documents. Instead, he suggested, the rules of the game have tilted in favor of other members, leaving Kazakhstani producers scrambling to keep up.
Tokayev’s critique extended beyond the realm of agriculture. He insisted that the government must “urgently develop fair conditions for national producers,” ensuring that Kazakhstan’s voice is heard in EAEU negotiations. “The government must argue convincingly for fair terms in the development of Eurasian trade,” he declared. “Deputies must protect the rights of domestic producers through legislative initiatives.”
His remarks carried a sense of urgency. The president demanded not only rhetorical commitment but concrete action. He called for a comprehensive export plan that would address every aspect of the process, from logistics and sanitary standards to marketing strategies. “Development of agricultural exports is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture,” Tokayev stressed. “It is the task of the entire government.”
For Kazakhstani producers, Tokayev’s speech was both a rallying cry and a demand for accountability. The president insisted that deputies in parliament must work hand-in-hand with business leaders to craft legislation that shields local industries from unfair competition. He also pointed to the need for Kazakhstan’s representatives in the EAEU to advocate more forcefully for state support measures that match those available to businesses in other member states.
The issue of unequal support is not merely theoretical. According to Tokayev, Kazakhstani producers—particularly in the dairy sector—have been forced to surrender market share to better-subsidized competitors from neighboring countries. The president’s frustration was palpable as he described how “our entrepreneurs do not receive the necessary level of state support compared to enterprises in other countries of the Eurasian Economic Union.” This, he argued, leaves Kazakhstani businesses “forced to cede even their own market to competitors.”
Tokayev’s comments come at a time when economic integration within the EAEU is under increased scrutiny. The promise of open markets and mutual benefit has, in the eyes of many Kazakhstani business owners, been undermined by imbalances in government support and regulatory practices. While the EAEU’s framework is supposed to guarantee equal treatment for all, the reality on the ground is far more complicated.
“The agenda of the Eurasian Economic Union should focus on fair competition and support for national producers,” Tokayev insisted. He was clear that achieving this goal would require more than just words. He called for the urgent development of a comprehensive agenda, crafted in collaboration with producers themselves, to address the challenges facing Kazakhstan’s businesses within the union.
At the heart of Tokayev’s message was a call for fairness—not just for the sake of Kazakhstani producers, but for the long-term credibility and viability of the EAEU itself. If member states cannot ensure a level playing field, the president warned, the very purpose of the union is called into question. “Kazakhstan is not obliged to be completely self-sufficient in products,” he acknowledged, “but it must create fair conditions for its producers.”
To that end, Tokayev outlined a series of steps he expects the government and parliament to take. First, he wants a clear, actionable export plan that addresses logistical hurdles, adheres to international sanitary norms, and leverages effective marketing strategies. Second, he expects deputies to introduce and pass legislation that protects the interests of domestic producers and ensures that Kazakhstan is not left behind in the EAEU’s evolving trade landscape.
The president also emphasized the shared responsibility of the entire government—not just the Ministry of Agriculture—in promoting the nation’s agricultural exports. “This is not only the work of the Ministry of Agriculture, but a task for the entire government,” Tokayev said. The message was unmistakable: every branch of government must play a role in defending Kazakhstan’s economic interests on the regional stage.
As the EAEU continues to shape the economic destinies of its member states, Tokayev’s intervention signals a potential turning point in Kazakhstan’s approach to regional integration. By demanding fairer treatment for national producers and a more assertive stance in negotiations, the president is seeking to recalibrate the balance of power within the union.
For now, Kazakhstani producers can take some solace in the fact that their concerns are being heard at the highest levels of government. Whether Tokayev’s call to action will translate into meaningful change remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the president’s message has put the issue of fair competition and support for national producers squarely at the center of Kazakhstan’s economic agenda.
The coming months will reveal whether these words lead to a genuine shift in policy—or whether Kazakhstani businesses will have to continue fighting for their place in the EAEU marketplace.
