The number of individual entrepreneurs (IEs) in Kazakhstan has decreased by 260,000. This was reported by Vice-Minister of National Economy Yerlan Sagnayev following a government meeting.
WHAT THE MINISTRY REPORTED
According to Yerlan Sagnayev, the number of IEs in Kazakhstan fell by 260,000. The entrepreneurs who closed down were primarily working in retail trade and agriculture, reports the Telegram channel «QOS live».
According to the Vice-Minister, the «lion's share» of those who ceased operations moved into the self-employed category.
WHY IEs WERE CLOSING
As Yerlan Sagnayev explained, in retail trade the reduction in the number of IEs is linked to the rapid growth of online commerce, which has meant the services of some entrepreneurs are no longer in demand.
Speaking about agriculture, the Vice-Minister noted that the IEs that closed were, in his words, among those «optimising their tax obligations».
WHICH DATA RAISED QUESTIONS
It is noted that Yerlan Sagnayev's statements contradict information previously given by Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin at a government meeting.
Serik Zhumangarin stated that there had been an increase in the number of small legal entities, including in construction and agriculture, by 2.5%.
Earlier, it was reported that at the end of 2025, the Bureau of National Statistics recorded growth in the number of small and medium-sized businesses. According to the published report, the number of active IEs increased from 1.44 million to 1.56 million. However, in his current statement, Yerlan Sagnayev reported a reduction in the number of IEs by 260,000.
