“I would like to ask two questions. The first question is directed to the representative of ‘Samruk-Kazyna’.
The airline ‘Qazaq Air’ was established by ‘Samruk-Kazyna’. At that time, it had 5 aircraft, but it accumulated significant debts to the fund. There were plans to sell it to a Vietnamese company to rehabilitate it and expand the fleet. What is the current status of the deal, and what are the prospects for this airline?”
The second question concerns the issuance of foreign permit forms, or permits, as they are commonly referred to. Oversight inspections revealed that the authorized committee was providing inaccurate information regarding the use of these permits. As a result, on the shadow market, these permits are being sold for 1600 euros or dollars through Telegram channels.
The question is: how to combat corruption risks? Are there any individuals who have been specifically punished? And what is planned in this regard?” asked a member of the Mazhilis.
Permit Forms
Minister Marat Karabaev responded to the question, stating that at present, the mechanism for issuing permit forms had been partially monopolized.
“The main problem was that the permit was issued based on a historical principle. If Company A received 100 units this year, then the same amount would be allocated to that company the following year. New players in the market were left with nothing.
Moreover, the permit was issued completely blank, without specifying the driver's name, vehicle number, or company name.
Now everything has changed. Each permit will be tied to a specific vehicle number and company name, completely eliminating corruption risks.
A new mechanism will be implemented starting January 1: first, the permit will be issued with specific data. Second, if it is not used within a month, penalties will apply. Previously, the permit could be used for up to 6 months.
Additionally, an electronic issuance of permits has been implemented with Uzbekistan and China. A vehicle receives permission within 3 to 30 minutes, completely eliminating the human factor and corruption risks,” the minister stated.
Qazaq Air
The representative of ‘Samruk-Kazyna’, Elzhas Otinshev, responded to the question as follows:
“Regarding the deal with the Vietnamese investor Savico, I would like to inform you as follows. As of today, key negotiations on the terms of the deal have been completed.
On December 20 of this year, the State Commission for Economic Modernization approved the main terms of the deal. A positive decision from the board of directors of ‘Samruk-Kazyna’ and the government is expected by the end of the year.
Two main requirements have been set for the investor: first, to ensure the repayment of a loan amounting to 38.4 billion tenge by the end of 2044. Second, to acquire 20 aircraft manufactured by Boeing or Airbus within 5 years, with the possibility of extending the period by 2 years.
To meet these requirements, Savico is ready to provide a guarantee.
We are confident that this deal will positively impact the development of civil aviation in Kazakhstan and related sectors such as logistics, tourism, and trade, thanks to the launch of additional, including international flights,” he said.