Alatau City granted special status by presidential decree

Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a decree granting special status to Alatau, a newly established city in Kazakhstan, Akorda reported.

In his September 8 State of the Nation Address, Tokayev said that in many rapidly developing countries, advanced cities serve as hubs for investment and technology. He emphasized that Alatau is expected to become Kazakhstan’s new center of business activity and innovation.

The designated territory has already been planned and connected to infrastructure networks. During his recent visit to China, Tokayev signed multibillion-dollar agreements with global companies, including one that took part in building the Shenzhen tech hub and will now be involved in the Alatau City project.

The next step, Tokayev said, is to establish a strong institutional framework for Alatau City. Within six months, a separate law will be adopted to regulate governance, financial models and other key aspects of the new city.

“Let me stress that special legal status is not a privilege, but a necessary measure — a tool without which the entire project risks remaining on paper. Alatau City should become the first fully digital city in the region, from Smart City technologies to payments with cryptocurrencies,” Tokayev noted.

The president added that Alatau will symbolize the future of Kazakhstan, combining technological progress with a highly comfortable living environment.