[2] During his tenure, Kazakhstan rose up to the world's first line in export of flour[3][4] Yessimov led a government delegation in negotiations over Kazakhstan's campaign to head the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2009 with Finnish Foreign Ministry Secretary of State, Pertti Torstila in July 2006 as Finland held the Presidency of the European Union.
[citation needed] In 2010, Yessimov continually brought up the issue of particular raise of salaries of Almaty medics and teachers to the Government, referring to the high living standards in the city.
[6][7] In 2011, the Asian Winter Games were successfully hosted in Almaty; for the purpose of which sportive infrastructure was created in the city[8] Yessimov initiated establishment of municipal public transport and gradual driving private carriers out of the market.
[citation needed] Yessimov started his policies from solution of problems of cheated participants in shared-equity residential construction.
Yessimov also advocated of mountain skiing tourism development in Almaty Region, claiming that it is one of the most promising economy lines.
[18] Yessimov was criticized by multiple city dwellers for a bad preparation towards winter season heating system and the removal of snow.
[20] In 2015, he was mocked on social media after his statements about Almaty citizens often flying to the mountains by copters to play golf and ski.
[21] On 9 August 2015, by the order of President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Yessimov was appointed as the chairman of Board of Astana EXPO-2017 National Company.
[24] Immediately upon appointment of Yessimov to the post, expenses for construction of the EXPO Village were cut by 78 billion tenge, and the top management of the company was downsized twofold.
39 agreements were signed by participant countries with representative of business, scientific and educational circles of Kazakhstan in energy, construction and investment sectors.
On account of budget optimization, Astana EXPO-2017 National Company saved KZT 364 billion: 44.6% of the project initial cost.
Over 1,400 small and middle scale business enterprises received orders for delivery of commodities and services for KZT 640 billion.
The phenomenon of EXPO promoted productive and intensive interaction of science, business and society,” declared President of Kazakhstan at the EXPO-2017 Closure Ceremony.
[citation needed] On 23 December 2017, by the order of Nursultan Nazarbayev, Yessimov was appointed Chairman of board of the National Welfare Fund JSC Samruk-Kazyna.
[31] In February 2018, on behalf of Yessimov, Samruk-Kazyna JSC introduced a number of changes to the procurement mechanism to expand the competitive environment, improve the quality of goods and services, and reduce costs.
[32] On 19 April 2018, at a meeting of the Management Council of the NWF “Samruk-Kazyna”, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev approved and adopted a new Development Strategy of the Fund for 2018–2028 and an updated Transformation Program.
[34][35] Within the framework of it, in order to attract young talents in the group of the Fund, the programs "Zhas Orken" and "Digital Summer" are being implemented.
[40] Under the leadership of Yessimov, Kazatomprom JSC became the first national company to successfully place its shares on the international stock exchange.
[42] During the crisis in 2020, the anti-crisis measures taken by NWF “Samruk-Kazyna” JSC under Yessimov's tenure made it possible to preserve the continuous operation of the Fund's portfolio companies and workers' jobs.
Former president Nursultan Nazarbayev praised Yessimov's work, stating that under him, "Yesimov most effectively solved the tasks assigned to him in other important government positions.