Presentations were made by the Minister of Investment and Development A.Issekeshev, KazMunaiGas CEO S. Mynbayev, chairman of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs “Atameken” A.Myrzahmetov.
Nazarbayev pointed out that half of all the industrial production in Kazakhstan is made in the four western regions of the country.
- Their development is of great importance for our entire economy. Due to a large extent of the country’s territory, each region has its own specifics. West specializes in oil production. In this regard, we invest a lot in the development of this particular industry, - the President said.
Alongside that there is need to expand infrastructure construction in the region, and President requested the governors to focus more on small and medium businesses development around the oil and gas industry.
- In Atyrau region the SMEs’ share is 8%, in Mangistau and Aktobe regions - 17% each. However, in this oil-rich region we should focus on the expansion of production volumes, - Nursultan Nazarbayev said.
He also requested to review the plans for industrialization and construction of infrastructure given the new economic conditions.
- The whole world is experiencing the impact of the crisis and it’s no wonder. We live in this system, where growth is succeeded by decline. But every crisis is an opportunity to put things in order. So, we've long been putting off addressing the problem of poorly performing businesses. In the world practice, such businesses are subject to bankruptcy, with a new owner coming to replace the previous one,- Nazarbayev said.
He urged the regional leaders to remember that uncompetitive enterprises have no future.
The Head of State identified several priorities for the development of the country’s western region, such as exploration of the fields, deep processing of oil and gas, industrialization of the country and implementation of Nurly Zhol program, which in contact with the Silk Road belt initiative of China is profitable for Kazakhstan transcontinental logistics project.
- Construction of Aktobe - Atyrau, Atyrau - Astrakhan, Uralsk – Kamenka motorways with access to Russia and other projects are designed to give impetus to our economy, create new jobs, - the President said.
He emphasized that our country is working to increase the production of high-quality domestic products.
Nursultan Nazarbayev has once again reminded about the importance of unity and harmony in Kazakhstan, of going through the difficulties together.
