Astana to play key role in development of Kazakhstan - Massimov

'Astana is a center of education and research. We opened the Nazarbayev University last year. It is the initiative to establish here the educational institution of the world level. We already have many leading partner universities including the University College London and Duke University,' K. Massimov said.

The Head of the Government emphasized that the capital of Kazakhstan had become an important center of medical research and treatment. 'Now we are building the hospital of the future in Astana that will provide high quality services to all the people of the country,' the Premier added.

According to him, the city has already established itself as a leader in the sphere of infrastructure and two economic zones have also been created for making business climate of the city very favorable. The GDP per capita is one of the highest in the country - USD 18 thousand. 11 important investment projects will be realizing in the city over the span of the next five years. The total cost of the projects is USD 15 billion.

'Astana is a symbol of presence of innovative future in Kazakhstan,' the Head of Government noted.