Alatau City Council Approves Key Decisions for the Implementation of the Special Legal Regime
A Foundation for Economic Modernization
Opening the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized that the Constitutional Law, which entered into force on July 1, provides a solid foundation for the continued modernization of Kazakhstan’s economy. In this context, Alatau City is expected to play a strategic role as one of the country’s key platforms for attracting investment, introducing modern governance solutions, and shaping a new model of urban development.
“With the entry into force of the Constitutional Law ‘On the Special Legal Regime of Alatau City,’ we have taken another important step in implementing the reforms initiated by the Head of State. In accordance with the President’s instructions, Alatau City is expected to become one of the key drivers of Kazakhstan’s economic development. Therefore, the Alatau City Council’s primary responsibility is to ensure the timely and effective implementation of the special legal regime,” - Olzhas Bektenov said.
Progress on the Implementation of Alatau City Authority’s Mandate
Alisher Abdykadyrov, CEO of Alatau City Authority, presented an update on the implementation of the Authority’s mandate.
He noted that work is currently underway to establish Alatau City’s legal and regulatory framework, develop key strategic documents, build a modern system of public administration, and continue attracting and facilitating investment projects. At the same time, engineering and transport infrastructure is being upgraded across the city’s existing communities, including the neighborhoods of Yntymaq, Qoyanqus, Zhetygen, Zhanadauir, and Zhanatalap.
By the end of 2026, Alatau City plans to complete the preparation of its Long-Term Development Plan through 2055, its Development Strategy, and its Master Plan through 2040, with the support of the international consulting firms ARUP and BCG.
Strategic Initiatives: K-Smart City, Alatau AI-Driven City, and Alatau Crypto City
Particular attention during the meeting was given to the strategic initiatives K-Smart City, Alatau AI-Driven City, and Alatau Crypto City, which are expected to shape the city’s long-term technological development.
The K-Smart City initiative envisions the development of a 330-hectare pilot self-sufficient district incorporating advanced smart city technologies based on the experience and best practices of the Republic of Korea.
The Alatau AI-Driven City concept provides for the deployment of a digital twin, Big Data technologies, and artificial intelligence to enable real-time management of urban systems and city operations.
Investment Portfolio: 53 Projects Worth KZT 2 Trillion
Alatau City Authority has established an investment portfolio comprising 53 projects with a combined value of KZT 2 trillion, which are expected to create more than 51,000 jobs.
The flagship projects include the Iconic Complex valued at over USD 1 billion; production facilities by PepsiCo, Mars и Hyundai Green Food; the Khan Tengri Biopharma biopharmaceutical plant; advanced urban air mobility projects developed in partnership with AutoFlight and Joby; and the construction of a KAIST university campus.
By the end of the year, Alatau City plans to launch its first asset tokenization projects, attract new residents, and begin building an integrated ecosystem that seamlessly connects the virtual and real economies.
Council Decisions
Following the meeting, the Alatau City Council adopted a series of key decisions aimed at advancing the implementation of the Special Legal Regime.
The Council approved the Regulations of Alatau City Authority, defining the Authority`s legal status, power, and governance structure. Under the approved framework, the Alatau City Authority State Fund will be transformed into Alatau City Authority, a dedicated government agency responsible for the governance, operation, and development of Alatau City.
The Council also approved the establishment of an Operational Committee, which will consider matters requiring prompt decision-making, and a Regulatory Commission, responsible for approving secondary legislation and introducing international best practices within the framework of the Special Legal Regime.
To address matters arising during the transition period, the Council endorsed the establishment of Temporary Land Commission under the Akimat of Alatau City. The Commission will facilitate priority investment projects until the city’s Master Plan is formally approved.
Concluding the meeting, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov instructed government agencies and Alatau City Authority to ensure the timely implementation of the adopted decisions and accelerate work across the city’s key development priorities.
Source: primeminister.kz
