At a meeting of the Alatau City Council chaired by Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, participants discussed the city's long-term development, the establishment of a regulatory framework for its special legal regime, and the development of its urban governance system.
In his State of the Nation Address, “Kazakhstan's Current Priorities in a New Historical Cycle,” the President emphasized that Alatau, a city designated for accelerated development, should provide a favorable environment for investment and entrepreneurship.
One of the key issues on the agenda was the draft Long-Term Development Plan for Alatau City, covering the next 30 years. The plan lays the foundation for a modern, investment-friendly and sustainable city capable of adapting to emerging technologies, providing a high quality of life for residents and offering businesses a stable and predictable operating environment.
The document was developed in collaboration with international consultants from Arup, drawing on a comprehensive assessment of the area, its economic and demographic potential, and the proposed spatial structure, transport networks and utility infrastructure of the city.
The primary objective in developing the draft plan was to establish a cohesive and balanced urban development model that integrates economic growth, transport connectivity, infrastructure and the quality of the urban environment. Particular attention was given to urban planning solutions, geographical and environmental constraints, the integration of investment projects, and aligning infrastructure requirements with projected population and employment growth.
The Council also reviewed two draft regulatory provisions designed to establish the legal framework for Alatau City's special legal regime.
The first document sets out uniform requirements for regulatory legal acts and establishes procedures for their drafting, adoption and application. It provides for legal review, public discussion and the publication of regulatory acts in Kazakh, Russian and English.
The second draft regulates the activities of legal entities registered as Alatau City residents under the special legal regime. Its adoption is intended to strengthen legal certainty, enhance regulatory transparency and create favorable conditions for business development and investment.
Another issue on the agenda was the establishment of the Regulatory Commission, a collegial governing body within the city administration that will contribute to the development of Alatau City's regulatory framework. The Council considered nominations for independent commission members with international expertise in law, investment, financial regulation, digital assets and urban planning. The involvement of international experts is expected to support the adoption of international regulatory best practices tailored to the city's special legal regime.
The meeting also addressed organizational matters related to the specialized bodies of the Alatau City administration. Their responsibilities will include land management, urban planning, oversight and facilitation of construction projects, digital asset development, and the provision of services to residents and businesses through a one-stop-shop model.
The issues addressed by the Council are aimed at the consistent development of an institutional and regulatory framework for the growth of Alatau, the creation of a predictable business environment, the enhancement of municipal governance efficiency, and the implementation of long-term investment projects.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov issued instructions to the relevant government bodies to ensure compliance with established deadlines, accelerate the development of the regulatory framework, and take the necessary measures to ensure the consistent implementation of Alatau City's strategic development priorities.
