Presidential Address: New social infrastructure projects and support for farmers discussed in Zhetisu region

The construction of social infrastructure facilities, access to affordable financing for farmers, and support for entrepreneurship were the key topics of a meeting held in Taldykorgan to discuss the implementation of the Address of the Head of State, “Current Priorities of Kazakhstan in a New Historical Cycle.” Representatives of the legislature and the Government met with members of the regional public at the House of Friendship, El.kz reports citing the Department of Internal Policy of Zhetisu Region.

Ekaterina Smolyakova, Member of the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Kairat Kereyev, Member of the Kazakhstan People’s Council; Nazgul Khatepova, Vice Minister of Agriculture; and Dauren Temirbekov, Vice Minister of Finance. Representatives of regional ethnocultural associations and civil society organisations also took part attended the event.

The discussions focused primarily on the practical implementation of the priorities outlined in the Address, infrastructure development, support for domestic production, and improving the quality of life of the population.

Social Infrastructure and Roads

Ekaterina Smolyakova emphasised that the declared Year of Nationwide Construction envisages the modernisation of infrastructure and the development of social facilities that meet public needs. She noted that the needs of local communities must be taken into account when planning construction projects.

“During our visits to the regions, we see these needs firsthand and hear about them directly from residents. In some areas, rehabilitation and correctional centres for children with special needs are required, while in others, children have no facilities where they can engage in sports. Therefore, every new facility must address a specific need: making essential services more accessible, providing children with greater opportunities for development, and improving people’s everyday lives,” the Member of the Kurultai noted.

Smolyakova also addressed the development of tourism infrastructure in Zhetisu region. Following appeals from local residents, a decision was reached to construct an access road bypassing the area designated for paragliding development. In cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and local executive bodies, work is also under way to resolve issues concerning a problematic section of the road between Zhetisu and Abai regions in the Alakol area.

Affordable Financing for Agricultural Producers

A substantial part of the meeting was devoted to agriculture. Participants discussed access to affordable financing, agricultural processing, and the modernisation of agricultural machinery.

Vice Minister of Agriculture Nazgul Khatepova reported that 1 trillion tenge had been allocated last year to provide concessional financing for crop production. These funds enable agricultural producers to carry out sowing and harvesting operations on time, purchase the necessary inputs, and upgrade their machinery and equipment.

“The next priority is to provide agricultural producers with long-term financing for investment purposes. Priority will be given to projects and facilities of particular importance to individual regions,” Nazgul Khatepova explained.

Sugar Beet and Corn Processing

This year, 13,500 hectares in Zhetisu region have been sown with sugar beet. The harvest is being received by the modernised Koksu and Aksu sugar plants. Connecting the Aksu plant to the gas supply network will help reduce production costs and the cost of finished products.

Another promising area is the expansion of corn cultivation and the development of its deep processing. New opportunities for agricultural producers are associated with a facility in Zhambyl region established jointly with Chinese investors. The production of goods, including amino acids in demand across various industries, will provide agricultural enterprises in Zhetisu with an additional market for their products.

Dairy Farms and Digitalisation

The Vice Minister also outlined plans for the development of dairy farming. Under the concessional financing programme, the establishment of over 100 dairy farms is envisaged.

Of these, 71 have already been commissioned. Participants also discussed the digitalisation of the agricultural sector, which is expected to streamline access to subsidies, reduce administrative paperwork, and improve transparency in the supply chain for agricultural products.

Opportunities for Local Businesses

Participants noted that the Year of Nationwide Construction creates additional opportunities for entrepreneurs. The construction of new facilities generates demand for building materials, equipment, and transport services, while contributing to job creation and increased budget revenues.

Particular attention was also given to public oversight of project implementation. It was proposed that the effectiveness of implementing the assigned tasks be assessed against tangible outcomes, including the accessibility of social services, the development of entrepreneurship, support for agriculture, and improvements in the lives of regional residents.