BAKU, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12
Trend:
The business activity index in Kazakhstan in September 2021 has decreased, amounting to 49.8 (in August it amounted to 50.2), Trend reports with reference to Kazakhstan’s National Bank.
According to the bank, the decrease was influenced by low indicators in the construction sectors amounting to 49.3 (in August - 51.9) and services - to 49.1 (in August - 50.7). The deterioration of the indicator in the construction sector is due to a decrease in business activity and employment, and in the service sector - new orders and employment, as well as an increase in delivery times.
Nevertheless, the indicator in Kazakhstan’s industry increased to 50.9 (in August - 49.1) due to the increase in new orders, employment and new products. The highest level of business activity was noted in the Turkestan (54.9) and East Kazakhstan regions (53.8), while the lowest - in the Kyzylorda region (40.2).
In September 2021, respondents noted a deterioration in the business environment in the country. The balance of answers on the assessment of the current business conditions turned out to be negative, amounting to (-) 1.0 (in August, +1.7).
It is noted that enterprises from all sectors gave a positive assessment of the demand for products / services, access to communications and finance / loans. At the same time, the tax burden and business protection issues received negative assessments, as in the previous month.
The enterprises' optimism regarding business conditions for the next six months decreased. Thus, the assessment of future conditions amounted to 13.5 (in August - 17.6). As a result, the business climate index for the economy decreased to 6.1 (in August - 9.5).
It is also reported that 462 enterprises took part in the survey in September 2021. In particular, 67 construction enterprises, 175 industry enterprises and 220 service enterprises.