Abstract
This article examines key directions for enhancing the competitiveness of meat and meat products within Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial complex. Based on comparative, statistical, economic and systemic analysis, the study assesses the structural characteristics of the sector, production dynamics, investment activity and the degree of domestic demand satisfaction. Particular attention is paid to production and economic linkages along the value chain, the current state of livestock production and its transition to intensive technologies, as well as investment projects aimed at expanding meat-processing capacities. The analysis identifies structural and institutional constraints limiting the effective utilization of existing production potential, including weaknesses in the feed base, technological lag in processing, and insufficient coordination among market participants. The results demonstrate that improving competitiveness requires not only technological modernization and increased investment, but also the formation of a coherent economic environment across all stages of the production chain. Priority areas for sectoral development are substantiated, the implementation of which will contribute to higher value added, improved resource efficiency, stronger export orientation and enhanced national food security.