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An opinion on the changes made to the operational risk model for Kazakhstan as determined by the Economist Intelligence Unit recent on November 25, 2013 is provided. In the latest risk model, scores for government effectiveness, legal and regulatory, infrastructure, and foreign trade and payments risks improved. The overall risk score for the country rose by two points. It is argued that these improvements will have a modest effect on the business environment.

The article presents an overall risk overview for Kazakhstan recent on March 25, 2013. A prevailing concern among international observers is the persistence of corruption which undermines the effectiveness of the police. The foreign community is also voicing its concern to the increase in organized crime activity. Popular protests is also pushing a nationalist agenda in a country under an autocratic rule.

The article presents a security risk overview for Kazakhstan recent on November 25, 2013. Topics discussed include the low possibility of isolated skirmishes on the border with Uzbekistan, the harassment of the political opposition, and the possibility of unrest from the oil sector. Also mentioned is the possibility of political and social unrest in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The article presents a political stability risk overview for Kazakhstan recent on November 25, 2013. Topics discussed include the absence of a clear mechanism for the transfer of power from the current administration of President Nursultan Nazarbayev and the amendment of election law. Also mentioned are the formation of two new political parties, Ak Zhol and the Communist People's Party of Kazakhstan, and the country's chairmanship of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation.

The article presents a government effectiveness risk overview for Kazakhstan recent on November 25, 2013. Topics discussed include the administrative quality of the central bank, National Bank of Kazakhstan, the prevalence of corruption in the government, and the impact of vested domestic interests on foreign investment. Also mentioned are the persistence of cronyism and the seriousness of human rights abuse reports.

The article assesses risk scenarios or potential developments in Kazakhstan's politics and government that might substantially change the business operating environment in the country. Factors that drive isolated protests in the country are detailed. The possible impact of protests acquiring an anti-business or xenophobic aspect on foreign investment is also described. Controversies surrounding the share of the oil and gas sector owned by Chinese companies are explored as well.

The article assesses political stability risk scenarios or potential developments in Kazakhstan which might substantially change the business operating environment in the country. Reasons behind the isolated protests that have become more common in the country are mentioned. A discussion on the impact of Russian and Chinese investment on the country's sovereignty is also presented. Issues surrounding the succession of Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev are explored as well.

The article assesses risk scenarios or potential developments in Kazakhstan's politics and government which might substantially change the business operating environment in the country. Factors which are predicted to hamper the operations of foreign firms that have to deal with the government are discussed. Also detailed are the reasons the regional government agencies might refuse to implement central government directives, especially those relating to foreign companies.

This article presents a risk assessment for Kazakhstan as of January 2013. It states that the risk of armed conflict or domestic terrorism in the country is low. According to the article, the Kazakhstan government is ineffective with the widespread of corruption. In terms of economy, the country is reportedly vulnerable to oil-price fluctuations.

The article assesses the risk associated with the political stability of Kazakhstan. The significance of the constitutional changes in 2007 is presented along with amendments to the electoral law aimed at enabling the second-placed party to obtain seats in parliament. The level of uncertainty about political succession is discussed as well as Kazakhstan's similarities with the countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in relation to the issue of unrest.

The article assesses the risk associated with the effectiveness of Kazakhstan's government. Implementation of measures to improve the administrative system is described to lack clarity, swell the ranks of bureaucracy, and create confusion over the formation and operation of new structures. Signs of restiveness of regional administrations are attributed to the perception that President Nursultan Nazarbayev and the capital, Astana have benefited from foreign investment but not the regions.

The article presents an assessment by the Economist Intelligence Unit of government effectiveness risk in Kazakhstan as of June 2011. There are reportedly efforts to improve the overall quality of administrative structures in the country but reforms are proceeding slowly. Powerful local vested interests also pose a challenge to foreign investors as personal connections and the local industrial lobby influence policy. Cronyism and corruption likewise prevail at all government levels and legislation is not applied consistently.

The article presents a chart that lists risk scenarios for Kazakhstan as of June 2011, including political corruption which could undermine the effectiveness of the police, organized crime that can negatively affect the foreign sector, and lack of political influence that could aggravate tension among the business elite.

The article presents a political stability risk assessment for Kazakhstan as of June 2011. It is noted that the country has been ruled by President Nursultan Nazarbayev since before independence and has revised the constitution several times. Legislation on elections were also amended by the authorities. Several scenarios that can affect political stability are presented, including tension among the business elite due to lack of political influence.

The article presents a government effectiveness risk assessment for Kazakhstan as of June 2011. It is noted that the quality of the administration is poor with the exception of the National Bank of Kazakhstan. Cronyism is also prevalent in the country. Several scenarios that can affect public administration are presented, including lack of clarity in administrative reforms and an assertion of power by regional elites.

A political risk report for Kazakhstan as of June 2011 is presented. It is noted that the country faces no risk of armed conflict or domestic terrorism, but is currently facing the problem of organised crime. The ineffectiveness of the current administration to fight widespread corruption is cited, as well as the vulnerability of the economy to oil-price fluctuations. The article also mentions the dependence of Kazakhstan on its neighbors due to its being a landlocked country.

The article presents a risk analysis of the political environment in Kazakhstan. No clear mechanism for transfer of power exists with Kazakshtan being ruled only by one man, Nursultan Nazarbayev. Nazarbayev change the country's constitution several times and removed all limits on the number of terms that he can serve. Legislation on elections, political parties, and the media head of the country's chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe has been amended.

The article presents a risk analysis of the Kazakhstan government's effectiveness. Aside from the National Bank of Kazakhstan, the quality of administration of the government is poor. Corruption remain prevalent at all levels of the government. Cronyism, personal connections, and local industrial lobby influences government policy.

The article provides a government effectiveness risk for Kazakhstan as of December 2010. It says that the quality of the administration is poor, with the exception of the National Bank of Kazakhstan. In 2007, reforms of the country's administrative structures have started but are unlikely to make significant progress over the forecast period. Corruption is reportedly prevalent and cronyism is common.

The article offers a political stability risk assessment for Kazakhstan as of July 27, 2010. Nursultan Nazarbayev, the country's long-time president, has implemented changes in the constitution to allow him to remain in office indefinitely. With this, there is a high risk of a coup with the elite aware of the risk posed by the opposition's limited role in the political system. There is high level of uncertainty about the succession issue. Social unrest appears likely due to lower real gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

The article presents a risk assessment for government effectiveness in Kazakhstan as of July 27, 2010. There is little progress seen in the reforms to the country's administrative structures while the quality of the administration remains poor, with the exception of the National Bank of Kazakhstan. Issues in the government that affect foreign investors are corruption, domestic interests and cronyism. Human rights abuse cases are mostly about the press being harassed, suspects abused, and the opposition experiencing physical and legal harassment.

The article looks at the economic, political and security risks facing Kazakhstan in 2010. Corruption prevalence is expected to undermine the effectiveness of the police while the lack of political influence and lower real gross domestic product (GDP) growth will worsen the tension among the business elite who calls for the ousting of President Nursultan Nazarbayev. It adds that its reliance on foreign oil will hinder its economic growth when oil prices fall. Organised crime will rise in the foreign sector.

The article examines the political stability risks in Kazakhstan in 2010. President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who ruled since before its independence, has changed its constitution several times to extend his term. It predicts that tension among business elite who calls for ousting of Nazarbayev will worsen due to lack of political influence combined with lower real gross domestic product (GDP) growth. The reshuffle of Nazarbayev's officials that put loyalists into power in 2008 has benefited his son-in-law Timur Kulibayev and Prime Minister Karim Masimov.

The article offers an overview of risks facing Kazakhstan as of June 2010. There is a low risk of armed conflict or domestic terrorism in the country. Oil-price fluctuations are affecting the economy as well as the exchange rate and balance of payments. In terms of political stability, the main risk is the lack of clear mechanism for the transition of government as President Nursultan Nazarbayev is the sole leader who ruled the country since its independence.

The article presents a political stability risk assessment for Kazakhstan for 2010-2011. The country has been ruled by President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who has changed the constitution several times to remain in office. He claimed that the changes to the constitution will pave the way for transition to a more democratic political system. It has been proposed by the Nur Otan party to amend the constitution to allow Nazarbayev to remain president for life. The potential for social unrest is elevated by lower gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

The article presents a government effectiveness risk assessment for Kazakhstan for 2010-2011. It says that the quality of administration is poor and reforms to the administrative structures are not expected to make progress over the forecast period. Corruption is prevalent at all levels and vested domestic interests pose a challenge to the position of foreign investors. Rent-seeking opportunities may result from an investment strategy predicated on the selection of priority industries for development.

The article presents a risk assessment for Kazakhstan for 2010-2011. It says that organised crime is a problem but the risk of armed conflict or terrorism is low. An uncertain legal and regulatory environment is created by the dictatorial and personalised nature of the regime. Foreign investors are being pressured by domestic-vested interests and the state. Oil-price fluctuations and trends in exchange rate are some of the factors affecting the economy.

The article offers a political stability risk assessment for Kazakhstan for 2009-2010. In order to remain in office, President Nursultan Nazarbayev has changed the constitution several times. He pointed out that constitutional amendments will pave the way for the country's transition to a more democratic political system. The impact of the lack of political influence and the economic downturn on tension among the business elite is discussed, as well as the uncertainty caused by succession issue.

The article offers a government effectiveness risk assessment for Kazakhstan for 2009-2010. It says the quality of the administration is poor, and reforms to the country's administrative structures are unlikely to make significant progress over the forecast period. Foreign investors are being challenged by vested domestic interests and moves by the state to reassert control over the natural resources sector. The failure of administrative reforms to improve the decision making process is also discussed.

The article presents a country risk assessment for Kazakhstan for 2009-2010. It says organised crime is a problem although the risk of armed conflict or domestic terrorism is low. In addition, the opposition is subject to harassment by the authoritarian regime of president Nursultan Nazarbayev. In terms of political stability, it is noted that there is no clear mechanism for the transfer of power as the country has been ruled by one man. The country's reforms to the administrative structures are also forecast not to make significant progress.

The article presents a political stability risk assessment for Kazakhstan as of April 2009. It is noted that the country lacks a clear mechanism for the transfer of power as President Nursultan Nazarbayev changed the constitution in order to remain in office. Two political stability risk scenarios are described, including the ouster of Nazarbayev by business elites and uncertainty caused by the issue of succession.

The article presents a government effectiveness risk assessment for Kazakhstan as of April 2009. The quality of public administration in the country is described as poor. The prevalence of political corruption at all levels of government is cited. Two government effectiveness risk scenarios are described, including a failure of administrative reforms to improve the decision-making process and regional elites becoming restive.

The article presents a country risk assessment for Kazakhstan as of April 2009. It is noted that the country enjoys a low risk of armed conflict or domestic terrorism, but it faces a problem with organised crime. The authoritarian regime of President Nursultan Nazarbayev is accused of harassing the opposition. The quality of administration in the country is considered poor, with the exception of the central bank.

The article assesses the political stability risk of Kazakhstan. It highlights the possible growth of dissatisfaction among businessmen in the nation in the context of the weakening economic growth. It discusses the impact of the uncertainty regarding the potential successor of President Nursultan Nazarbayev on the stability of Kazakhstan. It relates the vulnerability of the government to public discontent in line with the economic slowdown and rising unemployment.

The article assesses the government effectiveness risk of Kazakhstan. It describes the impact of the additional layers of bureaucracy brought about by the administrative reforms introduced by the government on the operations of foreign firms in Kazakhstan. It discusses the status of political corruption and cronyism in the nation. It relates the possible implications if regional government bodies start asserting themselves and refuse to implement central government directives.

The article assesses the political stability risk of Kazakhstan. It highlights the possible growth of dissatisfaction among businessmen in the nation in the context of the weakening economic growth. It discusses the impact of the uncertainty regarding the potential successor of President Nursultan Nazarbayev on the stability of Kazakhstan. It relates the vulnerability of the government to public discontent in line with the economic slowdown and rising unemployment.

The article assesses the government effectiveness risk of Kazakhstan. It describes the impact of the additional layers of bureaucracy brought about by the administrative reforms introduced by the government on the operations of foreign firms in Kazakhstan. It discusses the status of political corruption and cronyism in the nation. It relates the possible implications if regional government bodies start asserting themselves and refuse to implement central government directives.

The article presents an overview of the country risk of Kazakhstan. It highlights the possible impact of socio-economic tensions on inter-ethnic relations between ethnic Kazakhs and Uighurs, and ethnic Kazakhs and Chechens. It describes the authoritarian regime of President Nursultan Nazarbayev. It relates some of the features of poor public administration in Kazakhstan.

The article presents a political stability risk assessment for Kazakhstan as of August 2008. It is noted that the country lacks a clear mechanism for the transfer of power as President Nursultan Nazarbayev changed the constitution in order to remain in office. Two political stability risk scenarios are described, including the ouster of Nazarbayev by business elites and uncertainty caused by succession issue.

The article presents a government effectiveness risk assessment for Kazakhstan as of August 2008. The quality of public administration in the country is described as poor. It is predicted that reforms to the country's administrative structure are unlikely to improve the situation. Two government effectiveness risk scenarios are described, including a failure of administrative reforms to improve the decision-making process and regional elites becoming restive.

The article presents a country risk assessment for Kazakhstan as of August 2008. The country enjoys a low risk of armed conflict or domestic terrorism, but it faces a problem with organised crime. An uncertain legal and regulatory environment is created by the dictatorial and personalised nature of the regime. The proliferation of political corruption is expected to have an effect on foreign investments in the country.

The article presents a political stability risk assessment for Kazakhstan as of April 2008. It is noted that the country lacks a clear mechanism for the transfer of power as President Nursultan Nazarbayev changed the constitution in order to remain in office. Two political stability risk scenarios are described, including the ouster of Nazarbayev by business elites and uncertainty caused by the issue of succession.

The article presents a risk assessment for Kazakhstan's political stability. Changes in the country's constitution have been considered by President Nursultan Abishuly Nazarbayev as evidence of the move towards a more democratic political system. The risk of political stability has been increased with the removal of all limits on the president's terms in office.

The article presents a risk assessment for Kazakhstan's government effectiveness. Administrative reforms were launched by the government. One proposal is the appointment of a board of directors for each ministry and regional government which would oversee strategy and a general director who would be in charge of administrative functions.

The article presents a political stability risk assessment for Kazakhstan for 2007. Attempts to neutralize the political ambitions of Dariga Nazarbayev, the daughter of President Nursultan Nazarbayev, upset business communities. It is also noted that succession issue aggravates divisions within the presidential administration, with some factions opposing dynastic succession. The president may need to consider a non-relative successor, which could lead to destabilizing internal disputes, notes the author.

The article presents a country risk assessment for Kazakhstan for 2007. The risk of armed conflict or domestic terrorism is deemed low, though organized crime remains a problem. Real gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to increase by 8% to 9% in 2007-2008. It is predicted that the effectiveness of anti-inflationay monetary policy will be limited by shallow domestic capital market. Tax policy, labour market, financial and infrastructure risks are also assessed.

This article offers a risk assessment of political stability in Kazakhstan in 2006. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) reveals the efforts of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev to change the constitution several times in order to stay in power. The EIU observes that Nazarbayev shows little indication that he might be willing to relinquish the presidency.

There is no clear mechanism for the transfer of power as Kazakhstan has been ruled by one man, Nursultan Nazarbayev, since before independence. He has changed the constitution several times in order to remain in office, and his overwhelming victory in the flawed presidential election held in December 2005 gives little indication that he might be willing to relinquish power when his new term — constitutionally his last — expires in 2012. Instead, the next seven years are likely to see further political tightening, designed to either allow him to remain in office indefinitely or install a member of his family as his successor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of the administration is poor, with the exception of the central bank. Corruption is prevalent at all levels of government. Vested domestic interests are increasingly powerful and pose a challenge to the position of foreign investors. Cronyism is common, and personal connections and the local industrial lobby have a great influence on policy. An investment strategy predicated on the selection of priority industries for development is likely to open up even more rent-seeking opportunities. Human rights abuse is not as serious as in Uzbekistan, but the press is being increasingly harassed, suspects are routinely abused and the opposition suffers physical and legal harassment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides a risk-overview in Kazakhstan. Details related to risks in security, political stability, government effectiveness, legal systems and regulations, macroeconomy, foreign trade and payments, tax policy, labor market, finance, and infrastructure are discussed. Statistics related to risk ratings are also mentioned.