The country has come a long way economically since 1991 but with President Nursultan Nazarbayev in power for 25 years, it has not had an election that could be considered free and fair by independent monitors. The government restricts fundamental freedoms and has become increasingly intolerant of any sort of display of discontent.

In recent years, Kazakh authorities have increased their heavy-handed response to peaceful protest, imprisoned activists and journalists on politically motivated charges, and shut down critical media outlets.

Foreign investors – many of whom recognise the importance of upholding international labour standards – should note that while the government claims it promotes social partnership, it has decimated Kazakhstan’s independent trade union movement and drawn repeated criticism from the International Labour Organisation.

Kazakhstan aspires to be one of the top 30 most developed countries by 2050 and to join the Organisation for Economic Co- operation and Development (OECD). No one can fault Astana for seeking out opportunities like EXPO 2017, but the government’s rights-violating policies are an impediment to such aspirations.