Purpose – determination of the signifi cance, assessment of the current state and prospects for the development of trade and economic relations between the states of Kazakhstan and Russia.

   Methodology – the theoretical and methodological basis of the study are system assessments, general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, economic-statistical and comparative analysis, as well as SWOT analysis methods that determine the strategic importance of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

   Originality / value – research has been conducted on the signifi cance, current state and prospects of trade and economic relations between Kazakhstan and Russia in the context of geopolitical and integration processes. The strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats of cooperation between the two countries are analyzed, and the strategic direction of development is determined. Reserves and directions for increasing the efficiency of development of trade and economic cooperation were also presented.

   Findings – as a result of a comprehensive analysis of trade and economic relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation, an objective assessment of the current situation was given and development prospects were determined. Directions for the development of cooperation between the two countries in the areas of technology improvement have been identified. The issues of expanding trade relations within the Eurasian Economic Union, rational use of the potential of the import and export market were specified.

 The purpose of the research to determine the needs and workload of people who provide free care for their elderly relatives at home.

   Methodology – a mixed method was applied, which included an electronic individual questionnaire with open and closed questions among 201 residents of Kazakhstani urban and rural areas.

   Originality / value of the research - the first study in Kazakhstan aimed at identifying the needs and the time use of people engaged in unpaid care for their elderly relatives.

   Findings: A social and demographic portrait of a caregiver for an older adult at home was composed, the share of institutional, paid and unpaid care in households and the distribution of household workload between spouses were estimated, and the perception of gender equality in families was defi ned. The study showed that the basic needs of people caring for their older relatives at home included benefi ts and payments, services of a public social worker /compensation for care assistant services, a solid pension, an increase in the caregiver’s social status, free medicines and medical care. A shortage of institutional care services for older people in Kazakhstan has been identifi ed, and recommendations for developing a national care system have been proposed.

   Purpose of the research is to assess the current practice of individual income tax, to justify the need to replace the proportional rate with a progressive scale.

   Methodology – the theoretical and methodological basis of the research is based on the principles of a systematic approach and methods of comparative, quantitative and qualitative analysis and economic and statistical data processing.

   Originality / value of the research – a feature of the study is the scientifi c justification of the expediency of introducing a progressive scale for individual income tax, the development of an author's scale of rates based on economic and mathematical calculations.

   The results of the research show that the current practice of calculating individual income tax in the republic requires adjustments and the introduction of a progressive scale replacing the current single rate of 10 %. The introduction of a progressive scale will contribute to reducing social risks, leveling social inequality and increasing tax revenues to the budget.

   This article examines the current demographic situation of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the context of the quality of human potential and the increase in the effi ciency of human resources.

   Purpose of the research. This study aims to comprehensively analyse the current demographic situation in the Republic of Kazakhstan, highlight the country's leading trends and challenges, and off er recommendations for improving demographic policies and practices.

   Methodology. The research methods are economic-statistical and correlation-regression analyses. The article also uses general methods of understanding reality: generalisations, comparisons, and descriptions.

   Originality / value of the research. The authors analysed the statistical data of the population of Kazakhstan for the period from 2012 to 2023 in the context of structural changes and geographical conditions. Authors also conducted a comparative analysis of natural growth in individual countries and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

   Findings. The critical factors of fertility and natural population growth have been identified. Attention is paid to the country's changing demographic profi le in connection with economic, social, and political transformations. A list of legal acts determining the country's demographic policy today is presented. A
correlation and regression analysis of factors such as gdp per capita and the average amount of assigned state social benefi ts was carried out. The authors also present a diagram that forms the environment for family planning and population reproduction. This scheme consists of elements that determine the process of natural reproduction in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Conclusions and practical recommendations based on the study results are presented, and further directions for an in-depth study of this topic are outlined. The article also emphasises the need for an integrated approach to implementing demographic policy in the country.

   Purpose of the study – describe the state of the Kazakhstan residential real estate market, identify the features and trends of its development.

   The authors of the study pay special attention to the analysis of the main indicators characterizing the residential real estate market, as well as the processes taking place in the mortgage lending market.

   Methodology – the study was conducted using methods of economic and statistical analysis, graphic method, method of description and generalization. The research sources were offi cial statistical materials of the National Bank of Kazakhstan, analytical reviews of consulting companies and fi nancial organizations, the «Krisha.kz» real estate platform and the «Kn.kz» real estate information portal, scientifi c research by Kazakh and foreign authors, as well as materials of scientifi c and practical conferences.

   Originality / value of the study – the authors carried out a detailed analysis of the state and problems of the residential real estate market of the Republic of Kazakhstan in recent years and gave forecasts for its future development.

   Findings. According to the results of research and analysis of the current state of the Kazakh residential real estate market in recent years, the authors identifi ed problems and identifi ed current trends in the development of the housing market, as well as forecasts of its future development. The results of the scientifi c article can be useful for real estate agencies, industry experts, as well as the scientifi c community involved in studying the real estate market.

   The purpose of the research is to study the impact of China’s direct investment on Kazakhstan's Energy industry, it enables them to fi gure out what type of Energy sources need more investment, and the demand level on the Energy services, which require for investigating the feasibility behind investing in Energy industry in Kazakhstan.

   Research methodology - a regression model of the impact of China’s direct investment on Kazakhstan's Energy industry is established to study the impact of Chinese direct investment on Kazakhstan's Energy industry from four variables: net foreign direct investment in Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan's GDP, China's direct investment in Kazakhstan, and China's direct investment in Kazakhstan's Energy industry.

   Original / value of the research – China's direct investment in Kazakhstan's Energy industry, compared with other factors, can have a more important impact on Kazakhstan's Energy industry, so Kazakhstan can through cooperation with foreign capital, especially China’s capital, the establishment of joint ventures, to improve the current situation in Kazakhstan's Energy industry bad development.

   Findings. The results show that the impact of net FDI in Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan's GDP, China's direct investment in Kazakhstan, and China's direct investment in Kazakhstan's Energy industry on Kazakhstan's Energy development is signifi cant and positively related.

   The purpose of the research: Analyze the economic situation of digital nomads, their infl uence on the labor market, taking into account that they differ in dynamism of geographic mobility. To study the problems of non-traditional employment in the context of digitalization of the economy.

   Methodology: The paper uses a comparative analysis between digital nomads, freelancers and self-employed citizens, which showed that they form overlapping sets with such common feature as remote non-standard employment. Study of digital nomads involves the use of a non-ethnographic approach, including methods such as online immersive interaction, content analysis of websites, forums, blogs, etc.

   Originality/value of the research: Despite many publications, there are still a number of diffi culties in studying the phenomenon of digital nomads. The article discusses defi nition of digital nomads, their essential characteristics, differences from self-employed citizens and freelancers. The article proves an important role of digital nomads in the modern labor market, who provide information, technological, managerial support, and various types of services.

   Findings: Increase in level of the population mobility stimulated emergence of a new form of employment on the labor market. Digital nomads are distinguished by a high level of education and professional training; considerable freedom in choosing the production sphere and provision of services in the fi eld of intangible production. In post-covid conditions, digital nomads can contribute to replacement of lost workers.

   The purpose of the research is to conduct a literary review of studies related to the gender division in the economy and occupational segregation in labor relations, to identify the determinants of the gender gap in the labor market and to assess the level of discrimination against women in Kazakhstan.

   The article reflects the main problems of the formation and development of the gender economy, including the methodology of gender segregation in the labor market. The main theoretical concepts of gender economics used in the research of foreign and modern Kazakh economists are identifi ed.

   Methodology – methods of historical analysis, factological (statistical) analysis and forecasting.

   Originality / value of the research is to identify the problems of modern gender segregation in the labor market of Kazakhstan through a review of research related to gender inequality in the labor market.

   Findings – a review of the literature showed that there are diff erent concepts of gender segregation in the labor market. Most of the research is aimed at solving applied problems of the gender economy of Kazakhstan, in addition, methodological tools developed by foreign economists are not adapted to the study of Kazakh reality. Most of the studies on gender discrimination in the labor market, especially in Kazakhstan, are of a practical nature. In addition, the interest of many authors in this problem manifests itself sporadically, that is, they do not present the results of systematic research.

   In the modern world, where equality and justice are the key principles of social development, the issue of gender equality in the workplace is becoming particularly relevant. This article analyzes the gender barriers that women face in the process of career growth and examines effective support programs aimed at strengthening their positions in leadership roles.

   Purpose of the research – analyze gender barriers to leadership positions and evaluate the eff ectiveness of support programs for women leaders.

   Methodology – use of such methods of analysis as comparison, collation, systematization and statistical analysis.

   Originality / value – manifested in an integrated approach to the problem of gender inequality in career growth, which takes into account both structural and institutional, as well as individual and socio-cultural aspects.

   Findings – consist in the formulation of specifi c strategies and recommendations for organizations and government agencies to eliminate gender barriers in career growth. This includes the development of effective mentoring and sponsorship programs, the creation of educational and training programs, as well as the introduction of changes in corporate culture to reduce gender bias and stereotypes. The recommendations presented in the article can be used to shape gender equality policies and create a more equitable and inclusive work environment in various organizations and industries.

   The purpose of the study is to explore the role of university alumni associations in aligning with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) articulated by the United Nations, emphasizing the criteria that defi ne a sustainable alumni association and their impact on university operations and broader economic and management practices.

   Methodology. Emphasis is placed on elucidating criteria that characterize a sustainable alumni association. This is complemented by a comprehensive analysis utilizing qualitative research methodologies, including indepth interviews and expert assessments.

   Originality / value of the research lies in its focus on the intersection of university alumni associations and sustainable development goals, an area that has received limited attention in academic discourse.

   Findings. The derived conclusions are rigorously substantiated through mathematical computations, culminating in actionable recommendations aimed at fortifying the future endeavors of alumni associations. The study is contextualized within the framework of a university in Kazakhstan, off ering practical insights and implications for economic and management practices in the contemporary academic landscape.

   Purpose of the research – evaluation of the eff ectiveness of the "bonus-malus" in the class of compulsory insurance of civil liability of vehicle owners and the identification of the conceptual foundations of compulsory insurance of civil liability inherent in the experience of foreign countries, as well as the development of proposals to improve the rules of this insurance.

   Methodology – the methodological basis of the research was the works and publications of foreign economic scientists, a set of general scientifi c and private methods of scientific cognition (analytical, systematic method, analysis, synthesis, comparison, etc.).

   Originality / value – in order to ensure a balance with favorable values of compulsory civil liability insurance, methodological approaches to the modernization of the bonus-malus system are provided and determined by the expediency and possibility of use in the insurance market of kazakhstan.

   Findings – it provides for the use of optimal ways of differentiating insurance tariff s by domestic insurance companies, taking into account the degree of risk and interests of policyholders of various categories, and maintaining the availability of tariffs for a wide range of consumers of insurance services.

   The purpose of the study: Determining the impact of the capital structure on small companies’ performance operating in the field of industry in Kazakhstan.

   The problem statement. The question to be analyzed in this study is: does the capital structure aff ect the performance of small Kazakhstani companies operating in the industrial sector?

   Methodology: In this study, we use data from 30 small industry companies in Kazakhstan based on annual reports for 2012-2022. The total debt ratio is the dependent variable used in this study. Profi tability, business risk, tax efficiency and age of the company were taken as independent variables. Statistics, correlation and multivariate regression were used to analyze the data.

   Originality/value of the study: The results showed that borrowed capital is subject to factors of profi tability, tax burden, and business risk. There was no signifi cant impact of the age of the company on the borrowed capital.

   Relevance: This study complements the literature on capital structure factors in developing countries and the financial condition of small industrial enterprises. This research will be aimed at exploring the potential use of borrowed capital to increase the profi tability of the company to reduce business risks.