As is known, in order to create conditions for the accelerated and sustainable development of the city of Alatau, the Head of State signed the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the Special Legal Regime of the City of Alatau." And recently, during a working trip to the Almaty region, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited a number of facilities and held a meeting dedicated to the development of the region and the implementation of the large-scale Alatau City project.

The working trip of the President of Kazakhstan to the Almaty region began with an introduction to the development project of the new city of Alatau, which is viewed as one of the key centers of economic growth and investment activity in the country.

The Head of State was presented with the general concept for the city's development. Today, the territory of Alatau covers 88 thousand hectares and is divided into four functional districts, with phased development planned until 2050. To implement the project, key growth points and priority development directions have been identified, and a Roadmap for the construction of main infrastructure is being implemented. The legal framework for the project is ensured by the adopted Constitutional Law, which provides for a special model of city governance.

The most actively developing district today is the Gate City district, where a modern, comfortable school has already been put into operation. In addition, five major system-forming enterprises operate in Alatau – Mareven Food, KNAUF, Fruit Art, Dolce Pharm, and the Almaty Fan Plant.

Special attention during the presentation was given to the city's investment potential. Currently, a portfolio of 53 investment projects with a total value exceeding two trillion tenge has been formed. Among the largest initiatives are the construction by PepsiCo of the largest potato processing plant in Central Asia, the launch of pet food production by Mars Petcare, the implementation of biopharmaceutical projects by KHAN TENGRI BIOPHARMA, as well as the creation of a modern logistics cluster with the participation of Istcomtrans and G-Trans.

The President was also presented with the Iconic Complex project – a multifunctional complex that will become one of the symbols of Alatau. This flagship facility is planned to be built in the Gate District area.

Speaking at the meeting on the development of the city of Alatau, the Head of State outlined the decisive priorities for the implementation of one of the country's largest projects. The new city is seen as a strategic center for business activity, innovation, and attracting investment, capable of giving a powerful impetus to the development of the entire region and the national economy.

Over the past two years, the necessary legal framework for the development of Alatau has been created. The Constitutional Law on the special legal regime of the city, providing for tax preferences, simplified business conditions, and modern regulatory mechanisms, has been adopted. According to the President, Alatau should become a "city of accelerated development" with unique opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs.

During the meeting, the Head of State identified seven key directions for further work. These include improving the legal system, forming a sustainable financial model for the city, creating a favorable investment climate, developing the digital economy, and introducing modern financial technologies.

Special attention is paid to infrastructure development. Despite the region's existing potential, issues of energy supply, water supply, transport accessibility, and engineering communications remain unresolved. It was emphasized that the construction of basic infrastructure must outpace the pace of development and investor attraction.

Alatau is also seen as a platform for implementing advanced digital solutions. Plans include creating the region's first crypto-city with modern regulation of digital assets, the development of the fintech sector, and the use of the digital tenge.

An important direction will be the development of the social sphere and tourism. The city plans to create an international educational center, build new social facilities, and form a modern tourist cluster around the coast of the Kapshagay Reservoir. At the same time, territorial development must be carried out strictly in accordance with the master plan and uniform architectural standards.

The need to strengthen transport connectivity between Alatau and Almaty was particularly emphasized. The development of high-speed public transport, logistics infrastructure, and new transport routes will allow the formation of a single agglomeration and create additional opportunities for businesses and residents of the region.

Summing up, the Head of State noted that the Alatau project is a long-term investment in Kazakhstan's future. Its successful implementation will create a modern international-level city, ensure an influx of investments, new jobs, and a high quality of life for citizens.

Prepared by Arlan EMIR