Astana - vivid example of successful realization of independent Kazakhstan's strategic priorities - T. Yakovleva
Mrs. Yakovleva, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Independence of Kazakhstan this year and sum up the results of the development of the country for this period. What significance do you attach in this context to development of our capital?
At present, our country was established as a regional leader, became a full member of the international community. Kazakhstan successfully conducted socio-economic and political reforms. I would like to note that Astana represents a model of successful implementation of strategic priorities of our sovereign state, when for the short period of time the new capital became a modern metropolis, formed as a center of international interaction and cooperation in the region.
All of us witnessed large-scale construction and socio-economic development of Astana, where was reconstructed the old city and formed the new administrative center on the left bank.
Astana has great potential in economic development and investment attractiveness, in this connection I can give some examples. Since 2000 the gross regional product increased by 16 times, in per capita terms - ninefold and made USD 18.5 thousand.
Investments in the basic stock over these years increased by 6.6 times, the volumes of work, production and services in the real sector of economy - ninefold. Nowadays the capital's budget makes more that USD 2 bln.
Today more than 70 entities of small business actively operate in the capital and the number of employed in the real sector of economy increased and reached over 100 thousand people.
According to estimations of international organizations our capital has high ratings. What is being done for their maintenance and improvement?
According to the results of the contest held by the International Assembly of Capitals and Major Cities of the CIS, Astana has the highest achievements in terms of human development as well as demographic and environmental indexes.
In globalization competitiveness becomes a main condition in the sphere of social development. Today in Astana a medical cluster successfully operates, an international university and intellectual schools were opened; modern research and innovation centers were established.
We know that President N.Nazarbayev pays special attention to the capital's development. What regulatory framework is created for further development of economy of the city, solution of social, environmental problems, infrastructure improvement?
I worked in the local executive bodies during the most difficult years of Astana development. I saw that active support was rendered to entrepreneurship, and development of the real sector of economy became the basis for ensuring employment, increase in budget revenue.
On the initiative of the President there was developed and adopted the state program on socio-economic development of the capital for 2001-2005 "Prosperity of Astana - prosperity of Kazakhstan". This program implementation became an important condition of expansion of integration and interaction with the country's regions. Dynamic development of the capital required elaboration of a long-term strategy and as a result there was prepared and adopted the Strategic plan of sustainable development of Astana till 2030.
Certainly, a lot has been done already but the prospects of Astana development are still great. The city is developing dynamically therefore we need to develop social spheres, road and transport infrastructure, we need to address environmental issues and problems of housing and utilities services, etc.
We also need to mention the facts that define the prospects of institutional development of Astana which is legally supported. By the instructions of the President of Kazakhstan in 2007 the Law 'On status of the capital of Kazakhstan' was adopted hence the competence and authority of regional state administration bodies were extended.
The akimat of the capital also may attract investors for realization of large infrastructural projects which is an important and integral part of improving business climate and drawing additional funds into city economy.
What is particularly being done now to develop industry in the capital and improve infrastructure of the city.
In accordance with the Forced Industrial-Innovative Development Program the realization of the projects on construction of the plants for production of the passenger cars 'Talgo', enterprises on production of metal goods and furniture and construction of the greenhouse and logistics center is now underway.
At the same time the works on expansion of the industrial park are conducted. On this purpose a regional innovation center has been established. The special economic zone 'Astana - new city' embraces 500 ha. The construction of the Thermal Power Plant - 3 is conducted within the infrastructural development.
The reconstruction of the road-street network is held within development of transport infrastructure. Unique bridges and road junctions have been built. The construction of a byroad is underway, the works on construction and reconstruction of 110 km of auto roads are held as well. The preparation works on completion of the first stage of construction of a high-speed light rail tram including communications and construction of nine stations have already been finished. The first stage of this transport project is planned to be completed by 2013.
The measures on attracting tourists to the capital of our country have also been taken as well as measures on development of infrastructure in this sphere.
We also should mention that thanks to the state support to the construction sectors and home investors the number of incomplete projects reduced from 243 to 25. The problems of almost 35 thousand home owners were addressed recently.
Astana hosts large-scale international events. It must be promoting the city's image.
Certainly, Astana has become a true center of international cooperation, it also becomes a leader in the sphere of culture, science and education. The OSCE Summit, 7th Asian Winter Games were held at the highest level. The 7th Islamic Economic Forum and SCO Summit were truly symbolic. Besides, the events held within the presidency of Kazakhstan in the OIC helped promote international image of Kazakhstan and its capital - Astana in the world.
The most important part is that creation of Astana is bound with achievements of the country. We really can compare Leader of the Nation Nursultan Nazarbayev with Astana as a symbol of success, prosperity and future development of Independent Kazakhstan.
Thank you very much for the interview!