Kazakhstan risk: Government effectiveness risk.

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]