President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Almaty Mayor Erbolat Dosaev to discuss the preliminary results of the city’s socio-economic development over the first nine months of this year.
During the meeting, Mayor Dosaev reported a short-term economic indicator of 104.1% for Almaty. He projected the city’s gross regional product (GRP) growth to reach 5.5% in 2024, with an anticipated acceleration to 6.4% by 2025.
Investment in fixed assets has also seen a positive trend, with KZT 1.133 trillion ($2.32bn) attracted, marking an 8.1% increase compared to previous periods. The total investment target for 2024 is set at KZT 2 trillion ($4.1bn).
Dosaev highlighted a significant increase in local budget revenues, which have risen by 27.2%. This financial boost has facilitated additional funding for priority projects under the Almaty Development Program, extending through 2025 and into medium-term plans for 2030. Since the beginning of 2024, the city’s budget has been increased by KZT 204.5bn ($419.1mn), totaling KZT 1.83 trillion ($3.74bn).
The mayor informed the president about ongoing efforts to diversify the economy, particularly focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The number of operating entities in Almaty has grown by 6.2%, reaching 361,100, with the share of SMEs in the GRP expected to increase to 60% by the year’s end.
As part of implementing the President’s directives for high-quality urban development, new Urban Development Regulations, Development Rules, and a Housing Renovation Program are set to be approved by the city Maslikhat by the end of the year.
In a significant investment in healthcare, the budget for modernizing healthcare infrastructure has been increased 2.5 times to KZT 26.3bn ($53.9mn). Notably, in August, Kazakhstan witnessed the establishment of the Center for Early Intervention, the first of its kind, aimed at reducing disability rates among children through interdepartmental cooperation.
Infrastructure renewal remains a priority, with 219 kilometers of new and 27.3 kilometers of existing water supply and sanitation networks constructed during the reporting period, alongside the reconstruction of 66 kilometers of power supply lines.
Additionally, Tokayev was updated on efforts to expand Almaty’s green fund, with 110 kilometers of drip irrigation systems installed to enhance the care of green spaces. Plans are in place to increase the area of park territories to 996 hectares by 2024.
Following the discussions, President Tokayev issued a series of instructions aimed at enhancing the role of small and medium-sized businesses in the local economy, improving the transport framework, advancing green public transport, and ensuring the qualitative modernization of engineering and social infrastructure.
