On September 8, 2025, in his Address to the Nation, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that ensuring food security, saturating the domestic market with domestic products, and reducing dependence on imports are the Government's strategic objectives. In this regard, large-scale investment projects aimed at developing the agricultural sector are of particular importance. One such project is the greenhouse complex currently under construction in Shymkent.

A new greenhouse complex is being built within the Bozaryk industrial zone. The project is being managed by the Turkish company Alarko Holding , which is renowned for its successful experience in construction and agro-industrial complexes. The investment volume is $650 million . The future complex will cover 650 hectares , making it the largest facility of its kind in all of Central Asia.

The greenhouse farm's primary focus is growing tomatoes using modern technology. When fully operational, the facility will be able to produce 155,000 tons of produce annually . This will not only satisfy the demand of Shymkent residents but also significantly meet the needs of other regions of the country, as well as expand into foreign markets.

Following the completion of the first phase of construction, approximately 2,000 new jobs are planned. Subsequently, when the complex reaches full capacity, the number of employees will increase to 5,000 .

The creation of thousands of jobs is of paramount importance for Shymkent's socioeconomic development. This not only increases incomes but also enhances social stability and allows young people to stay in their hometown by providing promising and modern employment.

The Mayor of Shymkent noted that this project is of strategic importance for fulfilling the President's instructions to attract investment and implement resource-saving technologies in crop production. Local authorities are providing comprehensive support to the investor, including connecting utility lines, securing land, assisting with permitting procedures, and creating favorable conditions for the rapid launch of production.

Particular attention is being paid to the use of modern technologies. Drip irrigation systems and water recycling technologies will be implemented in the greenhouses, allowing for significant water savings. Given Kazakhstan's growing water shortage, this decision is of strategic importance.

Thus, the project not only meets economic objectives, but also corresponds to the country's environmental priorities aimed at the rational use of natural resources.

The tomatoes produced will be distributed primarily among residents of Shymkent, then shipped to other regions of Kazakhstan. Export to international markets is also planned.

Thanks to Shymkent's advantageous geographic location and developed transport and logistics links, products can be quickly delivered to neighboring Central Asian states, as well as to countries in the Middle East and Europe.

To expedite construction, the investor company plans to open a greenhouse structure manufacturing plant in Shymkent. This will reduce construction time, reduce dependence on imported components, and create additional jobs.

Furthermore, the project plans to open a specialized academy to train agricultural specialists according to international standards. It will train agronomists, engineers, and other professionals who will be able not only to work at this complex but also to develop agriculture throughout the country.

The implementation of the greenhouse complex will achieve a number of key results:

1. Food security – saturation of the domestic market with fresh vegetables, reduction of seasonal shortages.

2. Import substitution is the reduction of dependence on the import of tomatoes and other vegetables from abroad.

3. Export growth – expansion of export deliveries, strengthening of Kazakhstan’s position in global agricultural markets.

4. Job creation – providing employment for thousands of city residents.

5. Implementation of innovations is the use of advanced technologies that increase the efficiency of agricultural production.

6. Training specialists – opening of an academy for training modern personnel.

Taken together, these measures will strengthen the city and national economies, increase the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, and create new business opportunities.

Shymkent has traditionally been one of the agricultural centers of southern Kazakhstan. However, large-scale vegetable production was previously often dependent on weather conditions, making the market unstable. The new greenhouse complex will smooth out seasonal fluctuations, ensure year-round production, and stabilize prices.

Small and medium-sized businesses also have opportunities: supplying packaging materials, transport services, and storing and processing vegetables. All of this creates a multiplier effect, enhancing the project's positive impact on the region's economy.

The greenhouse complex under construction in Shymkent is a unique project not only for Kazakhstan but for all of Central Asia. It aims to address food security issues, ensure import substitution, create thousands of jobs, introduce modern technologies, and train a new generation of agricultural specialists.

An investment of $650 million, a 650-hectare site, and an expected annual output of 155,000 tons of produce—all this speaks to the project's unprecedented scale. Its successful implementation will be a significant step toward the sustainable development of the country's agricultural sector and improving the quality of life for its citizens.