Tokayev Unveils Extensive Infrastructure and Technological Development Plans at National Kurultai Assembly
Boldly Charting Kazakhstan's Future: Tokayev's Vision Unveiled at National Kurultai
ASTANA - In a historic gathering at the National Kurultai in Burabai on March 14, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev heralded a new era for Kazakhstan, revealing a slew of ambitious projects to bolster the nation's infrastructure, regional development, and digital transformation.
Photo credit: Akorda
Where Change Begins: Infrastructure and Investment Initiatives
Setting the stage for change, Tokayev outlined a monumental infrastructure project aimed at modernizing Kazakhstan's connectivity. The directive to kick-start construction of a highway from Astana, traversing Arkalyk, Turgai, and Irgiz, was issued. This ambitious undertaking will ultimately link the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (the Middle Corridor), smashing through the travel distance between the central and western regions by a whopping 560 kilometers. By doing so, it promises to spark a ripple effect, galvanizing the entire Turgai region's growth.
Rebuilding the airport in Arkalyk and crafting a new terminal complex were also on Tokayev's agenda. He envisioned that this move would not only bring transport connectivity to new heights but also rejuvenate Central Kazakhstan's agricultural sector and livestock farming.
Tokayev's vision transcends this highway - encompassing sectors such as engineering, metallurgy, petrochemicals, agro-industry, and transport logistics. Under his leadership, an impressive wave of nearly 200 investment projects annually over the next four years flows across the nation, shaping a fresh industrial infrastructure and affirming Kazakhstan's transit and transport potential.
"Large-scale projects are the lifeline of our nation. They open the floodgates for regional development, offer thousands of jobs to our citizens, and ultimately enrich the quality of life for everyone," Tokayev passionately asserted.
Embracing the Digital Age: A Necessary Evolution
In the realm of digitalization, Tokayev emphasized its transformative effect on budget allocation, streamlining tax and customs administration, public procurement, and forging a robust connection between citizens and the state. Encouraging collaboration between government departments, experts, and IT specialists, he stirred a collective movement to develop and implement new digital solutions that promise to reduce costs, foster transparency, and boost productivity nationwide.
"Digital transformation is more than just a buzzword - it's the driving force behind Kazakhstan's competitive edge and the key to unlocking our digital financial potential," Tokayev claimed.
He also acknowledged the urgency in loosening the reins on digital assets, cryptocurrency exchanges, and digital mining investments to make Kazakhstan a regional center for digital finance technologies and reduce its shadow economy in such assets.
"We must tap into this digital goldmine to boost our tax revenues," Tokayev exclaimed.
The Power of AI and the Innovation Economy
Recognizing the pivotal role of AI in shaping the future global landscape, Tokayev underscored its impact on every sector of the economy and the workforce.
"Artificial Intelligence is altering the nature of work and human interaction in profound ways. One might say we're witnessing the dawn of the innovation economy, where ingenuity, creativity, and empathy reign supreme," he stated.
In an inspiring nod to science, Tokayev stressed the importance of nurturing applied sciences and bridging the gap between research and industry.
"Kazakhstan is making significant headway in applied sciences, but we lack a dedicated science city. Such an investment would help commercialize our discoveries and spark a symbiotic relationship between science, industry, and innovation," he revealed.
Tokayev's vision for a science city near Almaty within the Alatau Innovative Technology Park, coupled with his proposition for Kurchatov to emerge as another scientific beacon, promises to usher in a new age of scientific discovery and innovation in the nation.
"We have to be cautious and strategic in our approach, ensuring a strong foundation for growth and sustained success. I will not tolerate empty promises - only results matter," he warned.
Addressing Regional Disparities: Leveling the Playing Field
Highlighting the impact of creating three new regions in 2022, Tokayev revealed improved social and economic indicators and renewed investment flowing into the region.
"This move was long overdue and is already showing positive results," he smiled.
He touched on recent improvements in border districts in the Abai and East Kazakhstan regions following his directive, instilling a renewed sense of life and growth in these areas.
"There's much work to be done, but we're making a dent. The government must identify and focus on areas that lag in environmental standards, infrastructure, and social services to address the regional development gap," Tokayev asserted.
The birth of a Regional Development Concept, a comprehensive strategy aimed at narrowing regional disparities and enhancing inter-agency coordination, is on the horizon, according to Tokayev.
"We need to pull together as a nation and work tirelessly to bridge the gaps and build a prosperous, sustainable future for Kazakhstan," he concluded.
- Moving forward with his vision, President Tokayev intends to integrate Kazakhstan into the global digital financial landscape, advocating for policies that encourage the growth of digital assets, cryptocurrency exchanges, and digital mining investments in the realm of technology and finance.
- Echoing worldwide trends, Tokayev acknowledges the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on various sectors, including industry, and envisions establishing a science city near Almaty within the Alatau Innovative Technology Park to foster a symbiotic relationship between science, industry, and innovation, ensuring Kazakhstan's competitive edge in the burgeoning innovation economy.
- Recognising the need for balanced development, Tokayev announced the birth of a Regional Development Concept, a strategic approach designed to address regional disparities and strengthen inter-agency coordination, aiming to create a more equitable and prosperous future for all of Kazakhstan.
