The Minister of National Economy, Nurlan Baibazarov, disclosed the potential implementation of a sugar tax on beverages in Kazakhstan during a press conference on March 5th. Baibazarov highlighted the ongoing discussions with businesses regarding the sugar tax proposal, emphasizing the concerning rise in diabetes cases due to excessive consumption of sugary drinks.
The issue was thoroughly deliberated in the development of a new tax code, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. Baibazarov stressed the urgency of addressing this problem, especially for the younger generation. While acknowledging the relevance of the matter, he emphasized the need for a detailed assessment before any fiscal decision is made.
The Minister mentioned the figures presented by the Ministry of Health regarding the desired tax rates, considering the potential impact on the economy and the resistance from beverage producers. The decision on implementing the sugar tax is expected to be reached within the year, following further discussions and evaluations.
Earlier, on February 22, 2024, the Vice-Minister of Health and Chief Sanitary Doctor of Kazakhstan, Aizhan Esmagambetova, also advocated for the necessity of a sugar tax on beverages in the country. The government's proactive approach towards addressing the health risks associated with sugary drinks reflects a growing global trend towards promoting healthier lifestyles.
