OECD - Multi-dimensional Review of Kazakhstan

Economic growth matters, but is just one facet of development. Policy makers are required to reconcile economic, social and environmental objectives to ensure that their countrys development path is sustainable and that the lives of its citizens improve.

OECD Development Pathways is a series that looks at development from the perspective of the multiple objectives it involves, beyond an exclusive focus on growth. The OECD launched Multi-dimensional Country Reviews (MDCRs) in 2012. This new tool aims to assist countries in achieving inclusive, sustainable and equitable growth that can improve the well-being of citizens. The reviews identify and analyse the major constraints to development and provide concrete policy recommendations. MDCRs take a cross-cutting rather than a sectoral perspective, allowing for the discussion of policy interactions. The MDCR methodology is based on quantitative economic analysis, as well as qualitative approaches including foresight and participatory workshops that involve actors from the private and public sectors, civil society, and academia.

This report is the first volume to be produced in the context of the MDCR of Kazakhstan. The first three MDCRs, undertaken in Myanmar, the Philippines and Uruguay, allowed for the methodology to be tested and further improved. Kazakhstan is one of three countries to engage in an MDCR as part of the second wave. The other two are Cte dIvoire and Peru. The MDCR of Kazakhstan is the first review to be implemented as part of the 2015-16 Country Programme signed between Kazakhstan and the OECD.

This review comes at a time when Kazakhstan faces new challenges in transforming its model of development to sustain inclusive growth and progress in the well-being of its citizens. While the recommendations are intended primarily to support public action by the national authorities of Kazakhstan, the findings are also useful for academics, the private sector, and civil society.

The MDCRs are implemented in three distinct phases: diagnosis, in-depth analysis of the main constraints to development, and support to implementation. The phased approach allows for a progressive learning process and culminates in a final synthesis report to inform reforms in Kazakhstan. This diagnostic report is the outcome of the first phase of the MDCR of Kazakhstan. It delivers an overarching assessment of development in Kazakhstan and identifies the main constraints to sustainable and equitable development.