Aidar Abildabekov reminded that the modernization of markets in the country began 10 years ago.
“In 2015, amendments were made to the law regulating trade activities, which required the owners of open-air markets to convert them into buildings made of glass and concrete by 2020. Subsequently, due to restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic, the deadlines were postponed: for regions — until 2025, and for the cities of Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent — until 2023. Currently, the legislation has established a unified deadline for the modernization of all trading markets — until December 31, 2025,” the speaker said.
According to him, out of 644 markets across the country, 156 have been modernized. By 2025, the modernization of 100 markets is planned, most of which are in Almaty and Astana, as well as in the Almaty and West Kazakhstan regions. Otherwise, market owners face fines.
“From January 1, 2026, it is planned to hold market owners administratively accountable if they fail to ensure modernization within the established deadlines, in accordance with the law on administrative offenses,” he stated.
Later, in response to journalists' questions, he outlined specific sanctions: the first violation will result in a warning along with a notice to rectify the violation within a specified timeframe. If not complied with, a fine of 300 MRP will be imposed.