The event was attended by over 7000 residents and visitors alike. Addressing the audience President of Kazakhstan has congratulated all citizens of Kazakhstan on the millennial anniversary of Almaty, emphasizing the historical significance of the event.
- This date is included in the UNESCO calendar of commemorative and anniversary dates of humanity. This decision highlights the unique role of Almaty in the regional and global development. Holy Land at the foot of the Alatau peaks has seen a lot of events in its history. The Great Silk Road crossed this piece of land, being the first trade and universal artery connecting East and West, North and South of the vast Eurasian. Five hundred and fifty years ago the Zhetysu land became the cradle of the Kazakh Khanate. One of the key centers of the unique urban culture of Central Asia appeared here, said Nursultan Nazarbayev.
The Head of State drew attention to the special role of Almaty in a kaleidoscope of events of the 20th c.
- In 1929 the city picked up the torch of Kazakhstan’s capital cities and has grown to a million-plus city. Almaty enjoys the privilege of being the first capital of independent Kazakhstan. Therefore, it is symbolic that the city’s Millennium we are celebrating countrywide at the 25-year anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Independence. In 1995 the Constitution was adopted here at the national referendum. The Constitutional Law On State Independence of Kazakhstan was endorsed here. The Assembly of People of Kazakhstan was established in the city of Almaty. It is here that the historic decision was taken about the new capital Astana, said the President of Kazakhstan.
Nursultan Nazarbayev also stated that the points of the metropolis socio-economic development have always been the center of the government’s attention.
- The city’s Development Program until 2020 was adopted last year. They are practical measures to improve the lives of citizens, the city’s ecological situation and creation of favorable conditions for business. Modern Almaty has become a reflection of steady and sustainable development of whole Kazakhstan. Only during 5 preceding years the city area has increased by 2 times. The total number of inhabitants accounts for one million seven hundred thousand. Almaty Metro has transported more than 30 million passengers. In 2017, within the framework of Nurly Zhol program, construction of the Big Almaty Belt Highway starts. It will be part of the international highway Western Europe - Western China. Innovation Park special economic zone has been established and is in progress, he said.
In addition, the President of Kazakhstan emphasized the important role of small and medium-sized businesses that produce a quarter of the volume of products and services of the country’s total business sector.
Nursultan Nazarbayev also drew attention to the fact that the preparation for the Student Games has given new impetus to the development of the city’s tourism industry, which helps increase employment.
- 107 billion tenge have been invested in the construction of its unique facilities. As a result fifteen hundred small and medium-sized businesses are running and more than 30 thousand new jobs have been created. The Winter Universiade will bring together more than 2 thousand athletes from 57 countries. Development of Almaty tourism cluster will provide employment for 90 thousand citizens, said the Head of State.
At the end Kazakhstan's President once again congratulated all people of Kazakhstan on the millennium of the beloved, beautiful and unique city, and wished them good health, prosperity and success.
