Timur Kulibayev, born September 10, 1966, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is a prominent Kazakh entrepreneur, executive, and public figure. He has significantly impacted the business environment in Kazakhstan and introduced innovative management practices to large holding companies. Kulibayev holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Moscow State University, specializing in national economic planning.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
Timur Kulibayev has played a pivotal role in transforming Kazakhstan’s commercial landscape. As the leader of Kazakhstan’s National Chamber of Entrepreneurs Atameken, he spearheaded reforms that doubled the number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) over a decade. His efforts contributed to SMEs accounting for 33.5% of the GDP by 2022. Kulibayev’s leadership included regulatory reforms, reduction of bureaucratic obstacles, and modernization of business processes.
PHILANTHROPY
Kulibayev has also been active in philanthropy, with significant contributions totaling 85 billion tenge from 2016 to 2024. His philanthropic work reflects his commitment to social causes and community development.
BUSINESS REFORMS
Under Kulibayev’s leadership, the NCE Atameken led efforts to overhaul outdated regulations and reduce administrative burdens. His approach included addressing absurd and outdated business regulations, which improved the ease of doing business in Kazakhstan. For example, excessive sanitary requirements for confectioneries were streamlined, resulting in a significant reduction in regulatory pressure.
IMPACT ON ECONOMY
Kulibayev’s impact on the Kazakh economy has been profound, particularly through his role in advocating for business-friendly policies and improving the regulatory environment. His tenure saw a reduction in government inspections and a decrease in bureaucratic red tape, enhancing the overall business climate in the country.