We've almost overcome crisis, but it's early to relax - East Kazakhstan Akim Berdybek Saparbayev

According to Akim of East Kazakhstan region Berdybek Saparbayev, the country managed to overcome the global economic crisis due to the governmental measures. "The main achievement of Kazakhstan amid the crisis is the provision of employment, where the key role was played by the State Program "Road Map".

As for East Kazakhstan, we created more than 33,000 jobs. The state pumped about KZT 17 billion in repair and construction of the facilities within the Road Map. The level of unemployment continues to decrease. For the first half-year it made 5.8 percent in comparison with the last year's 6.6 percent", the Governor notes.

The statistics shows that all economic indicators have grown lately. However, are there any registered cases of enterprise bankruptcy? What is the situation with tax revenues? Is it possible to state that East Kazakhstan overcame the crisis?

The results of the first half of the year are much better as compared to the last year's level. The main socio-economic indicators were realized. Of course in some spheres of economy we must work harder, particularly in the field of attraction of investments. The various business forums, trips and meetings held last year were aimed at achieving this objective. We have drawn the balance of production and supply, visited a number of regions of our country and such states as Russia, Korea, China and Israel.

The second goal is to provide increase in housing construction, which was delayed due to severe weather conditions and untimely provision of funds.

The third important issue often raised by the residents at our meetings is the level of inflation and jump in food prices. Serious problems here were caused by the weather that affected transportation. However, the results of the past seven months show that we have zero inflation. The region holds agricultural fairs, opens wholesale and mobile shops.

As for the issue of taxes I can say that our local tax revenues have increased by KZT 2 billion since the last year.

In general the economic situation in our region depends a lot on the prices for titanium, magnesium, lead, zinc and other polymetals in the world market. But it is possible to say that we have overcome the crisis because Kazakhstan prevented decline of people's welfare. Though, it is too early to relax. The region is implementing industrial projects, repair and construction of infrastructure facilities.

You visit all the districts of the region, meet with the locals. What do people complain about and what is their attitude towards the state support?

Certainly, people thank the state, the President for the support provided to agricultural producers. The agriculture of our country is receiving subsidies from the state almost throughout the year. In particular, our region receives from KZT 13 to 15 bln as the support for agricultural producers. We also receive good state support in the sphere of construction. KZT 23 bln was allocated for our region on construction purposes this year and KZT 8 bln last year.

As you know, we have the longest stretches of roads. Last year we received KZT 8 bln for their repair. This year we got 16 bln. Thus, we started reconstruction of the Kalbatau-Semey highway, Semey-Kainar, etc. The Ministry of Transport and Communications allocated KZT 50 mln for developing design estimates for the construction of a bypass road through Osinovsky pass.

Are the works run in accordance with the plan you have for this year?

Mostly, the works are already finished, many things that still need to be done depend on financing. Besides, it should be stressed that we receive sufficient funds from the state. The President charged the Government to allocate funds on reconstruction of the houses, three schools, 68 kilometers of road and two bridges damaged by the floods.

Mr. Saparbayev, East Kazakhstan is preparing for receiving high guests. 7th Russian-Kazakh Interregional Cooperation Forum with participation of the heads of state is planned be held soon. How does your region develop cooperation with other states?

Now we are establishing interaction with Mogilev Region in Belarus and already have definite results. We started production of elevators at a joint enterprise in Ust Kamenogorsk. An enterprise on assembling tractors 'Belarus' operates here as well.

Besides, we develop cooperation with Israel, particularly in the sphere of medicine. We intend to open Israeli clinics in East Kazakhstan region. We have to provide buildings and the Israeli side will reconstruct them and equip.

In relation to our cooperation with Altai Krai of the Russian Federation, we have joint projects only in humanitarian sphere. We hope the oncoming interregional forum will open new opportunities in the industrial sector.

Thank you for the interview.