West Kazakhstan region records 13.6% economic growth, $1.9bn investment

The West Kazakhstan region has experienced a 13.6% surge in its economy, with its gross regional product reaching KZT 5 trillion ($10.8 billion) over the past three years. Last year alone, investments totaled KZT 874.5 billion ($1.9 billion). These figures were shared with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a briefing by regional governor Nariman Toregaliev.

Toregaliev provided an update on the region's socioeconomic progress and the execution of prior presidential directives. A significant undertaking is on the horizon for the Karachaganak field: a gas processing facility with an annual capacity of 5 billion cubic meters, valued at KZT 1.7 trillion ($3.7 billion), is slated to commence soon.

Additionally, the region intends to initiate construction on a new bridge spanning the Ural River before the year's end. Over the last three years, 121 new social amenities, collectively worth KZT 138 billion ($297.7 million), have been established.

Authorities also reported the repair of 1,542 kilometers of roadways. The Syrym automobile checkpoint, situated on the Kazakhstan-Russia border, is currently undergoing reconstruction, with a similar initiative planned for the Taskala checkpoint next year. Four new or upgraded railway stations have also been put into service.

Agricultural production reached KZT 320 billion ($690.2 million) last year. The "Auyl Amanaty" program has funded 1,414 projects, generating nearly 2,000 employment opportunities.

Through the regional "From City to Village" program, over 1,000 individuals have relocated to rural areas, with all 218 participating families receiving housing and social assistance.

President Tokayev directed the regional administration to persist in economic development, expedite the modernization of communal infrastructure, and enhance residents' living standards. The Karachaganak gas processing plant stands as one of the region's most substantial planned investments, anticipated to bolster its position within Kazakhstan's energy sector.