Not Astana or Almaty: Alatau named future hub of Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has announced that the city of Alatau will become Kazakhstan’s new center of business activity and innovation. He made the statement during his annual Address to the Nation.

“In many fast-developing countries, so-called advanced development cities have become poles of attraction for investment and technology. Our new center of business activity and innovation will be the city of Alatau. Land has been allocated for this nationwide project, initial planning has been completed, and key infrastructure networks have been connected,” Tokayev said.

The President recalled that during his recent visit to China, Kazakhstan signed multibillion-dollar agreements with global companies. One of these companies, which previously took part in building the Shenzhen technopolis, will be directly involved in the Alatau City project.

Tokayev instructed the government to prepare within ten days a draft decree granting Alatau special status with direct subordination to the government. A separate law will later define the city’s governance system, financial model and other key aspects.

“Special legal status is not a privilege but a necessary measure, without which all plans risk remaining on paper. Alatau City must become the region’s first fully digital city – from Smart City technologies to the use of cryptocurrency payments,” he said.

According to the President, the new city will embody the image of Kazakhstan’s future, combining technological progress with a highly comfortable living environment.