The process of privatisation of state property in Kazakhstan began in the early 1990s after Kazakhstan obtained independence following the break-up of the Soviet Union, where private property was almost non-existent. The privatisation process has continued up to the present, with numerous small, medium and large enterprises having been privatised, pursuant to several programmes. The privatisation drive is aimed at decreasing the state’s influence in the economy, as well as fostering business activity and labour productivity and improving the investment climate in Kazakhstan.