On August 27, 2025, a regional session dedicated to the implementation of the national project "Modernization of the Energy and Utilities Sectors" (EMES) was organized in Shymkent under the chairmanship of Arman Malik, representative of the Committee for Regulation of Natural Monopolies of the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The event was attended by state bodies, local executive authorities, natural monopoly entities, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and industry associations.

Opening the meeting, Arman Malik noted that the modernization of utility and energy infrastructure is a key mechanism for improving the country's economic stability and the quality of life of the population . According to him, today a significant part of the utility sector is dilapidated, and sustainable development is impossible without a comprehensive modernization of the systems.

He also noted that the active participation of domestic businesses and manufacturers in the implementation of the national project is of great importance. This step will increase demand for domestically produced goods and services, create more jobs, and introduce new technologies.

The regional session was attended by Deputy Mayor of the city Arman Sabitov , natural monopoly entities, construction and design companies, domestic manufacturers, entrepreneurs, as well as delegations from Turkestan and Zhambyl regions.

This broad scope demonstrates that the project will impact not only Shymkent, but the entire region. During the session, issues of upgrading utility networks, improving energy efficiency, and attracting additional investments were discussed in depth.

Representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Baiterek National Management Holding JSC , Kazcenter Housing and Utilities JSC , and Kazakhstan Development Bank JSC attended the event and presented the work being done in their respective fields.

They are implementing a national project:

• using new financing mechanisms,

• development of public-private partnerships,

• support for infrastructure projects,

• He noted that priority will be given to areas that encourage local producers.

The main principle of the national project is partnership between the state, business, and the expert community .

One of the topics that received special attention during the session was the level of deterioration of Shymkent's sewage systems.

According to the city's Water Resources - Marketing LLP , the current level of wear and tear of sewer networks is 73.5% . This is a factor that directly affects the quality of life of residents.

To reduce the load and increase the reliability of the systems, it is planned to modernize 164.4 kilometers of sewer networks . If the project is implemented, the wear rate will decrease by approximately 16% .

The total investment volume in Shymkent in 2026 will reach 44.9 billion tenge . These funds will be directed to significantly improve the city's infrastructure.

The main goal of the regional meeting was to explain the content of the national project at the local level, exchange experiences among participants, and involve all stakeholders in the modernization process .

During the session:

• Current problems in the utility sector were discussed;

• Specific support tools were introduced by financial institutions;

• construction and design companies were offered opportunities to participate in infrastructure projects;

• An agreement was reached to strengthen cooperation with natural monopoly entities.

The national project of the ECS will be implemented in all regions of the country in stages. The regional session, which began in Shymkent, will continue in other regions, and specific decisions will be made in accordance with the specifics of each region.

The success of the national project will contribute to increasing the reliability of engineering infrastructure , economic growth , and improving the quality of life of the population .

The regional session held in Shymkent clearly demonstrated the strategic importance of the national project "Modernization of the Energy and Utilities Sectors" .

The opinions and suggestions expressed during the meeting will serve as a basis for the effective implementation of the project in the future. The most important thing for the city's residents is an increase in the quality of municipal services, a decrease in the number of emergencies, and an improvement in living standards.

This initiative is a concrete step towards the sustainable development of the country, the prosperity of the regions, and the improvement of the well-being of the population .