On November 11–12, the 21st Kazakhstan-Russia Interregional Cooperation Forum was held in Uralsk. The event was attended by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, members of government, regional akims, and representatives of business and expert circles.

Kostanay Region was represented at the forum by Regional Akim Kumar Aksakalov, the only regional governor to speak at the plenary session. In his address, he presented the region's industrial development experience and outlined key areas for further economic growth.

Industrialization and New Technologies

The regional governor noted that in the era of new industrialization, blue-collar jobs are once again becoming the driving force of the economy. Kazakhstan and Russia share a common goal: creating a society where human labor is at the center of public policy.
"Our peoples are united by labor achievements, industrial traditions, and respect for creators." Today, a new ideology of creation is being formed: "Engbek – Eldin tіregі," which means "The working man is the pride of the country," emphasized Kumar Aksakalov, Akim (Governor) of the region.

Economic Growth and Investment

According to the regional governor, Kostanay Oblast is currently one of the most dynamically developing regions in the country. Last year, economic growth was 8.3%, and this year, growth of over 7% is expected. Over the past 10 years, labor productivity has more than quadrupled.

These results have been achieved thanks to active investment. Over the past three years, the region has attracted $3.8 billion, $1.5 billion of which is foreign direct investment.

Major completed projects include the KamLitKZ plant for the production of engine blocks and cylinder heads for trucks, a drive axle plant (investment: $300.1 million, 650 jobs), and a full-cycle KIA automobile plant, opened this year, creating 1,500 new jobs.

Transport and Production Infrastructure

Infrastructure projects are being actively implemented in the region. One of the key areas is the construction of a transport and logistics complex with a capacity of 400,000 containers, or over 11 million tons of cargo per year. It will become the country's third international port and the second landlocked dry port.

Capital-intensive projects in the mining and agro-industrial sectors, totaling over $4 billion, are also being developed. Overall, the region has formed a pool of 76 investment projects worth over $5.2 billion.

Personnel Training and Youth Initiatives

The regional akim (governor) paid special attention to the training of engineering and technical personnel in his speech. Local universities have launched double-degree programs with leading global universities, as well as Higher Schools of Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, Energy, and IT.

More than 60% of workers at new production facilities are young professionals under 35. To support them, the region is implementing the "Kostanay Zhastary" program, which offers preferential mortgages at 6% per annum.

"The working person of the 21st century is the person of the future: intelligent, literate, and creative. Being a worker means building the future of your country," the regional akim emphasized in concluding his speech.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1104418?lang=kk