FEAS Yearbook FEAS Yearbook 2013 | Page 59

FEDERATION OF EURO-ASIAN STOCK EXCHANGES ANNUAL REPORT JUNE 2013 KAZAKHSTAN STOCK EXCHANGE CAPITAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Development of the Kazakhstani securities market is one of the major objectives of the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which recognizes the importance of developed capital market and its impact on overall economic growth of the country and on ensuring financial stability, improving financial sector sustainability and encouraging investment inflows. As a result of changes in legislation starting from the January 1, 2013 the Integrated Securities Registrar was created. The Integrated Securities Registrar is mainly aimed to minimize risks of the issuers as well as rights of securities holders. The Integrated Securities Registrar allows the regulator to maintain the control function more effectively. Currently the idea to unite the existing pension funds into one integrated pension fund under the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan is being discussed. Pension funds consolidation will reduce operational costs associated with the registration and storage of pension assets, administrative expenses and branch network. Establishment of the Customs Union between Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus three years ago has marked a major change in the path of regional integration with important implications for Kazakhstan. The ultimate goal is the creation of a Eurasian Union preceded by established in July 2012 Common Economic Space for the market of 170 million people. Kazakhstan is also pursuing accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) which is planned for 2013. Economic Performance 2012 was a quite positive year for Kazakhstan in terms of economic performance. The GDP growth made up 5.0% in 2012.. The unemployment rate has decreased to 5.3%. Net international reserves amounted to US$ 27.7 bn. National Fund assets have increased. The inflation rate made up 6.1% in comparison with the previous year. Current account surplus amounts to US$ 7.8 bn. Kazakhstan is number one in terms of foreign currency rating among CIS countries standing close to Thailand, Ireland and South Africa. In November, 2012 Fitch also increased the ratings of the Republic of Kazakhstan: the long-term ratings of obligations in foreign currency from “BBB-” to “BBB”, those in the national currency - from “BBB” to “BBB+”, the outlook on the ratings is “positive”. Key Information Contacts Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan www.minfin.kz National Bank of Kazakhstan www.nationalbank.kz Committees of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Financial Market and Financial Organizations Regulation and Supervision www.afn.kz Financial Institutions’ Association of Kazakhstan www.afk.kz/eng/ Central Securities Depository www.csd.kz PAGE 57