Kazakhstan Allocates 63 Billion Tenge for Single-Industry Towns’ Development in 2024
Astana, The Gulf Observer: During today’s Cabinet meeting, Deputy Prime Minister-Minister of National Economy Nurlan Baibazarov presented comprehensive plans for the development of single-industry towns, as reported media.
Baibazarov outlined the approved development plans spanning 2023-2027 for Altay, Balkhash, Zhitikara, Lisakovsk, Ridder, and Stepnogorsk towns. These plans, totaling 326 activities with an investment of 456.6 billion tenge, aim to address critical infrastructure and real sector issues.
He emphasized that both central government agencies and regional akimats regularly allocate funds for infrastructure development. Over the period from 2019 to 2023, a sum of 348.4 billion tenge, including 184 billion tenge from the national budget, was dedicated to this purpose. For 2024, the allocation is set to increase to 62.8 billion tenge, with 31.2 billion tenge sourced from the national budget.
As part of the diversification efforts to bolster the economies of single-industry towns and foster alternative production in non-resource sectors, regional akimats are overseeing the implementation of 41 anchor projects worth 1.4 trillion tenge. These projects span various industries including mining, chemicals, agro-industry, construction, and others, with a projected creation of over 10,000 jobs.
Of the 41 anchor projects, 29 are currently operational, with nine under implementation and three awaiting progress. Efforts are underway to attract new investors to these initiatives.
Baibazarov underscored the significance of single-industry towns in Kazakhstan, noting their substantial contribution to the country’s industrial development. In 2023, single-industry towns accounted for 40% of the nation’s total industrial output.
Highlighting the pivotal role of backbone enterprises in driving socio-economic progress, Baibazarov mentioned that 23 such enterprises operate in sectors including oil and gas, coal, bauxite, and iron ore. Despite a slight decline in industrial output in 2023 compared to the previous year, Baibazarov acknowledged that certain towns, including Stepnogorsk and Karazhal, have shown resilience, while others, such as Temirtau and Balkhash, face challenges in maintaining production levels.
In conclusion, Baibazarov reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the development of single-industry towns, recognizing their importance in Kazakhstan’s economic landscape and affirming ongoing efforts to ensure their sustainable growth.
