KAZAKHSTAN: KORZHOVA DISMISSED AS FINANCE MINISTER

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ASTANA 003140 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/16/2017 TAGS: ECON EFIN EINV ETRD KZ PGOV PREL KCOR SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN: KORZHOVA DISMISSED AS FINANCE MINISTER ASTANA 00003140 001.4 OF 002 /// ZFR /// ZFR /// ZFR /// CANCEL ASTANA 3140 IN ENTIRITY. WILL RETRANSMIT UNDER NEW MRN. /// ZFR /// ZFR /// ZFR //// ASTANA 00003140 002 OF 002 Zhamishev's arrival may portend positive changes in a rather sclerotic ministry that oversees several key functions, including taxation and customs. Zhamishev, whose resume appears to be that of a classic 'technocrat' (and who is not known to belong to a political party),may be just what the Ministry needs. His appointment may also be welcome news for the banking sector, which was recently subjected to some harsh remarks from Korzhova and to increasing inspections by her Ministry. It is unclear, however, to what extent Zhamishev will be able to overcome the political and institutional burdens that plagued his predecessor, including fears stemming from aggressive oversight by the General Procurator's Office. Ordway