During a press conference at the government on March 19, 2024, Kazakhstan's Finance Minister Madi Takiyev expressed his disagreement with the Ministry of Health's proposal to introduce a "sweet" excise tax. Takiyev acknowledged the health concerns related to excessive sugar consumption but stated that additional burdens should not be imposed on businesses at this time.
He highlighted the complexity of implementing such a tax, citing variations in sugar levels among different beverages and the lack of a clear basis for taxation. Takiyev emphasized the need for further analysis before considering any measures, as there are no established calculations or guidelines for administering the tax.
The Vice Minister of Health and Chief Sanitary Doctor of Kazakhstan, Aizhan Esmagambetova, previously advocated for excise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages in the country during discussions at the Senate on February 22, 2024. The differing perspectives between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health underscore the ongoing debate surrounding public health policies and fiscal measures in Kazakhstan.
