President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in his address to the people of Kazakhstan, announced the creation of a new advanced development city — Alatau City, which is intended to become a "centre of business activity and innovation".
According to the press service of Akorda, the Head of State stated that land has already been allocated for the project, initial planning has been completed, and key infrastructure networks have been connected.
Tokayev noted that during a recent visit to China, multi-billion dollar agreements were signed with world-class companies. One of them, which participated in the construction of the Shenzhen technopolis, will be directly involved in the development of Alatau City.
The President instructed that within ten days, a draft decree be prepared granting the new city a special status, placing it directly under the Government. He emphasised the need to adopt, within six months, a separate law that will establish the management regime, financial model, and other key provisions.
"A special legal status is not a privilege, but a necessary measure or tool, without which everything planned risks remaining on paper," Tokayev emphasised.
According to the President's vision, Alatau City is to become the first fully digital city in the region. It is planned to introduce Smart City technologies, as well as the ability to pay for goods and services using cryptocurrencies.
The President stated that the new city should "embody the image of Kazakhstan's future, combining technological progress with a comfortable living environment".
It will be recalled that earlier, during his address to the people of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed a constitutional reform: to transition to a unicameral Parliament and abolish the Senate.