Abstract:

Many theoretical and empirical studies prove the absolute necessity and importance of foreign direct investment (FDI) for maintaining and stimulating economic growth and development of the national economy. Due to its important characteristic of sustainability, FDI has become the most reliable source of investment in the world. For Kazakhstan, as an emerging market country, FDI is not just a source of capital inflows, but also the necessary advanced international experience and knowledge and other benefits. The article assesses and analyzes the social consequences of the impact of FDI on the welfare of the regions of Kazakhstan. The authors applied the mathematical apparatus of the Analysis hierarchy process (AHP) to assess the social effect of FDI in the regions of the country. The results of the study did not reveal the negative impact of FDI on the welfare of the regions of Kazakhstan, on the whole, nevertheless, the social return from them is very low.