Almaty's latest strategic plan set for approval in the initial months of the coming year
The Government of Kazakhstan has approved the Almaty Agglomeration Development Plan until 2030, marking the beginning of a significant transformation for Almaty and its surrounding areas. This ambitious project aims to develop five cities and 50 rural districts of the Almaty region, with a total investment of over one trillion tenge.
Residential Construction and Urban Infrastructure
The plan focuses on expanding housing availability and improving urban infrastructure to accommodate and improve the quality of life for the growing population. With approximately 2 million residents within the city and another 2 million in the agglomeration, the need for residential development is evident. The plan seeks to make Almaty a city without outskirts, ensuring a comfortable living environment for all its residents.
Transportation Infrastructure
Significant investment is planned for transportation infrastructure, including the modernization of Almaty’s airport with an investor-led injection of approximately $362 million. The Almaty-Bishkek Economic Corridor, another key project, aims to enhance regional connectivity through improved roads and multimodal logistics systems, contributing to better urban traffic management and rural-urban linkages.
Tourism and Economic Zones
The plan proposes the creation of new economic zones such as the Alatau City IT-economic zone, covering nearly 96,000 hectares. This zone is designed to attract investors with preferential terms and promote technological and economic development in the region, likely benefiting tourism indirectly by enhancing the region’s attractiveness and facilities.
Production Facilities and Industry
While specific production facility upgrades are not detailed exhaustively, the establishment of economic zones and infrastructure improvement is expected to foster industrial and IT-sector growth, reflecting a strategic move to diversify Almaty’s economy beyond traditional sectors.
Social Development
The plan addresses social development goals by supporting inclusive urban growth, improving health and social services, and reducing inequalities. The Almaty-Bishkek Economic Corridor also emphasizes tackling poverty, gender equality, and climate resilience, indicating integration of social considerations into the urban and regional development strategy.
In conclusion, the Almaty Agglomeration Development Plan until 2030 envisions large-scale investments and projects targeting infrastructural advancement, housing expansion, economic diversification, and social inclusion to position Almaty as a regional economic and cultural leader. The project is expected to make the Almaty agglomeration an investment magnet for Kazakhstan's economy, developing it into a multifunctional region with a competitive economy. The new master plan for Almaty is scheduled to be approved in the first half of the new year.
Technology will play a prominent role in Almaty's economic development, particularly with the creation of the Alatau City IT-economic zone, which aims to attract investors and foster technological growth. The proposed zone, spanning nearly 96,000 hectares, is poised to enhance the region's attractiveness and facilities, potentially benefiting sports by fostering innovation in sports management and infrastructure.
Considering the extensive sports events hosted in Almaty and its surrounding areas, modern technology can aid in streamlining operations, improving fan experiences, and efforts towards environmental sustainability, aligning with the broader goals of the Almaty Agglomeration Development Plan.
