To allow for improvements in these areas, budgetary funds were allocated and progress has been made, for example within the investment programme on construction and equipment of veterinary laboratories. However, the needs to develop modern phytosanitary and veterinary systems that would support Kazakhstan’s development into a competitive agricultural producer and exporter remain considerable. The aim was to improve living conditions in rural areas by optimising rural settlements and developing economic activities. Investments were to be made primarily in construction and renovation of the rural infrastructure.