Minister of Trade lists positive effects of introducing a single time zone

Tengrinews.kz – Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev spoke about the “positive effects” of Kazakhstan’s transition to a single time zone.
According to him, the issue of changing the time zone was thoroughly discussed, and the decision has been finalized.

“The issue has been discussed from all angles, and a final position has already been adopted. At this point, I personally cannot say it was a wrong decision. I’ve already expressed my opinion and backed it with scientific and economic data. I believe this was the right and timely decision. We will see many more positive consequences,” the minister said.

Shakkaliyev assured that one of the main benefits of the change has been more rational use of time and a positive impact on health.

“Health, proper time management. There is a concept called ‘timing,’ when a person uses morning hours as productively as possible. This also relates to socialization – the learning process, the workday. Taking my own ministry as an example, I can say that the change in schedule has allowed employees to spend more time with their families,” he emphasized.

The minister also clarified that a flexible schedule has been introduced within his department.

“We switched to a new schedule. We now have a flexible schedule. The ministry’s leadership starts work at 8:00 AM, and our employees start at 8:30 AM. So there’s a half-hour window for the start of the workday. And accordingly, our workday ends at 5:30 PM,” he explained.

As a reminder, on March 1, 2024, a unified time was established across Kazakhstan. In Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, and the regions of Akmola, Almaty, Zhambyl, Karaganda, Kostanay, Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan, Turkestan, East Kazakhstan, as well as the Abai, Zhetysu, and Ulytau regions, clocks were set back by one hour. As a result, the entire country moved to the UTC+5 time zone.
In April, Kazakhstanis launched a petition to cancel the time change, gathering 50,000 signatures. In August, the Ministry of Trade and Integration announced its final decision on the time zone petition, rejecting the request.
Since January 2025, several districts of East Kazakhstan Region switched to a new work schedule: from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. On March 13, it was announced that all districts of East Kazakhstan Region had adopted the new working hours.
On August 31, the Akimat of Astana also announced a change in the work schedule.