"Ulttyq ónim – 2025: Exhibition of Domestic Manufacturers Held in Astana"
The annual 8th Ulttyq ónim – 2025 exhibition of domestic manufacturers has kicked off in Astana. The event is being held from May 16 to 18 at the EXPO International Exhibition Center.
At the exhibition, 350 Kazakhstani companies showcased their goods and services. These companies have received state support through the programs of the Damu Fund, which is part of JSC “National Managing Holding Baiterek.” Other subsidiaries of the Holding also participate in the exhibition, including JSC “Agrarian Credit Corporation,” JSC “Development Bank of Kazakhstan,” JSC “Export Credit Agency of Kazakhstan,” JSC “Qazaqstan Investment Corporation,” and the venture company BGlobal Ventures.
The exposition covers various industries, ranging from food, light, and chemical industries to engineering, equipment manufacturing, and jewelry production.
Opening the exhibition, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin emphasized that the development of entrepreneurship is a key factor for sustainable economic growth.
“The Head of State constantly emphasizes that a strong economy begins with strong entrepreneurship. Therefore, the development of business, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, remains a priority of the state’s economic policy. On its part, the government is actively working to ensure that entrepreneurs have all the conditions for growth: accessible financing, support in entering new markets, and the reduction of barriers to business development,” emphasized Serik Zhumangarin.
In 2024, the Government of the country, with active participation from the Ministry of National Economy and the Baiterek Holding, allocated 336 billion tenge to implement business support programs through subsidization and guarantee instruments. State support was provided to 29,500 projects with a total loan amount of 1.7 trillion tenge, including 2,700 preferential loan projects totaling 254 billion tenge. These measures helped create 9,700 jobs, produce goods worth 25.4 trillion tenge, and generate tax revenues of 1.7 trillion tenge. As a result, the share of employment in the SME sector reached 48% of the population in 2024, and the sector's contribution to the country’s GDP was nearly 40%.
Rustam Karagoshin, Chairman of the Baiterek Holding Board, emphasized the critical importance of measures aimed at stimulating economic growth, particularly regarding support for the real sector of the economy and expanding business access to financing.
“Supporting domestic production is a strategic priority for Baiterek Holding. We are convinced that Kazakhstani businesses are the backbone of the national economy, a source of innovation, and employment. Holding this exhibition recognizes the key role of Kazakhstani producers in the country’s development. We strive to be alongside them, creating conditions for their sustainable growth and unlocking entrepreneurial potential,” said Rustam Karagoshin.
Meanwhile, Farhat Sarsekeev, Chairman of the Board of the Damu Fund, highlighted the Fund’s role in developing Kazakhstani business:
“Throughout its activity, the Damu Fund has supported over 225,000 projects with loans totaling more than 14 trillion tenge. As a result, more than 220,000 new jobs have been created and 1.2 million existing jobs preserved. Products worth approximately 130 trillion tenge have been produced, and about 9 trillion tenge in taxes have been paid to the budget. It is important for us that today’s exhibition showcases the real results of entrepreneurs supported by the state.”
As part of the exhibition, a plenary session titled “The Role of Banks in State Support Measures for SMEs” was held, organized by the Damu Fund. Participants discussed how second-tier banks enhance the effectiveness of government support for businesses.
“Developing domestic business is impossible without reliable partners, and it is precisely the second-tier banks that serve as the vital link between development institutions, state resources, and entrepreneurs’ needs. Baiterek Holding will continue to build an effective model where second-tier banks act as dependable strategic partners in the sustainable growth of the national economy,” noted Zhandos Shaikhu, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Baiterek Holding.
The Ulttyq ónim exhibition demonstrates the steady growth and competitiveness of Kazakhstani businesses and serves as an important platform for promoting domestic brands in the international market.
The exhibition will continue until May 18, with free admission for all visitors.
