Competition Agency Head Briefs Toqayev

Marat Omarov, who heads Kazakhstan's Agency for the Protection and Development of Competition (APDC) and recently became president of the Kazakhstan Football Federation, met with President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev to discuss the agency's antimonopoly efforts in 2024, Orda.kz reports.

Omarov is also known as the in-law of billionaire Kairat Boranbayev, who owns FC Kairat.

During the meeting, Omarov reported that the APDC completed 97 antitrust investigations in 2024.

He outlined plans for 2025, including strengthened price controls in monopoly markets, more effective investigations, and implementing an AI-based market analysis system.

A package of corresponding amendments to the legislation has been developed, Omarov said.

As the newly appointed head of the Football Federation, Omarov also presented his vision for developing domestic football and supporting youth sports.

President Toqayev responded by setting additional objectives to advance market competition.

Original Author: Alexandra Mokhireva