Measuring competitiveness in Сentral Asian post-socialist countries is problematic as many well-known metrics systems fail to warn about bankruptcy risks sufficiently early or at all. With 2013-2017 data, we have compared data on the selected poultry sector companies operating in Kazakhstan to analyze their competitiveness, while financial analysis metrics provided us with the financial performance data. In particular, we have analyzed two publicly traded companies-Alatau-Kus JSC and Ust-Kamenogorskaya pticefabrika JSC, and two non-publicly traded companies-Alel-Agro JSC, and Sever Ptica JSC. These are compared with the largest Czech poultry meat producer Vodnanska drubez, JSC. Firstly, we measured competitiveness through bankruptcy and creditworthiness models and compared competitiveness as compared to financial situation of the main competitors at that market. To measure competitiveness, we used such indicators as IN99, IN01, IN05. We show the IN models can be beneficial in the case of the post-socialist countries. By using

In modern conditions for Kazakhstan, it becomes important to choose a development model that would be the most optimal and effective. When developing a model of economic policy, special attention should be paid to the choice of a system of indicators that could adequately describe macroeconomic processes as a whole and their interconnections. At the same time, economists argue that the implementation of the model approach can become the basis for strategic decisions only in a stable economic situation and when in the period under review the change in the cost structure of GDP is not distorted by high inflation. Therefore, in modern conditions of economic development, in our opinion, it is of interest to study the relationship between economic growth and the level of current and threshold inflation. This study substantiates the role of the threshold inflation level and proposes an equation of the functional dependence of this indicator on the main economic indicators. The necessary conditions for the implementation of the inflation targeting regime are disclosed. It is concluded that in conditions of commodity dependence, new effective monetary policy instruments are required.

BACKGROUND:The article discusses various approaches to the concept of 'human capital'. OBJECTIVE: In the modern economy, human capital is becoming the most important factor in economic growth and determines the future of the country. The purpose of the research is to analyse the index of human capital in Kazakhstan, what factors have an influence and find ways to increase it. METHODS: Various methods were used, including analysis and synthesis, measurement and comparison. RESULTS: Based on the analysis of qualitative and quantitative parameters of human capital, the trends in the human development index are revealed. It was shown that human capital is a necessary independent factor determining economic growth. An attempt has been made to solve the problems of valuing human capital and equitable distribution of income in the context of the amortization of human capital. CONCLUSIONS:The main areas of human capital formation need to be reformed, in particular education and health, by enhancing investment. An analysis of the values of the human development index clearly shows that for the economic development of states it is necessary to pay more attention to such indicators for the level of education as well as for a decent standard of living for every citizen.

An increase in demand for alternative financial services contributes to the growing importance of Islamic finance for a part of the international financial market, which represents for Kazakhstan a viable and sustainable sphere of capital investment in times of crisis to diversify risks. The article reveals the features of functioning of Islamic banks, highlights the main tools of Islamic finance, highlights the development of Islamic finance in foreign countries, including Arab countries, European countries and the United States. The author analyzes the key stages of the development of Islamic finance in Kazakhstan and highlights the problems that impede its full implementation. The recommendations aimed at the development of Islamic instruments in the framework of the Kazakhstani economy are presented. In conclusion, it is concluded that the state is the main institution on whose actions the further functioning of Islamic finance in Kazakhstan depends.