Development of small and medium-sized enterprises in Kazakhstan: structural analysis

Relevance. The relevance of the subject under consideration is aimed at investigating the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, which is one of the key priorities in the Republic of Kazakhstan since the development of small and medium-sized enterprises allows solving the issue related to the reduction of unemployment in the country and the outflow of youth. One of the characteristic features of recent years in the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in Kazakhstan is its pronounced quantitative growth without corresponding changes in the results of activities. One of the underlying reasons for this is seen in the nonoptimality of the existing structure of the sector of small and medium-sized enterprises. To support and develop entrepreneurship on an ongoing basis, the authorities of each country are taking measures to improve the business climate. Since January 1, 2020, a moratorium on inspections, preventive control and supervision with visits to small enterprises, including microenterprises, has been introduced in Kazakhstan for three years. In the medium term, a Strategic Plan for the development of Kazakhstan until 2025 has been developed. Purpose. The purpose of the study is to identify reasons for the low contribution of SMEs to the economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan that has developed in recent years based on the results obtained during the structural analysis. Methodology. The following methods were used in the study: analysis, synthesis, comparison, economic and statistical analysis, and graphical representation of data. Results. The results of study allowed forming a number of recommendations aimed at the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and increasing the level of employment among the population of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Conclusions. This study is of practical importance since the proposed recommendations can be taken as a basis for the development of a Target Programme for the Development of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as a Programme for the Employment in small and medium-sized enterprises.