OREANDA-NEWS. May 19, 2011. Chief of the Executive Office of the President Aslan Musin, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Industry and New Technologies Aset Isekeshev, Assistant to the President on Economic Issues Bakhyt Sultanov, Minister of Education and Science Bakhytzhan Zhumagulov, Minister of Emergency Situations Vladimir Bozhko, Minister of Tourism and Sport Talgat Yermegiyayev, Deputy Minister of Interior Affairs Alexander Kulinich, Mayor of Almaty Akhmetzhan Yessimov, Mayor of Almaty Region Ansar Musakhanov, Executive Secretary for the Ministry of Transport and Communication Zhenis Kasymbek as well as the heads of regional subdivisions of central executive bodies, city and regional structural subdivisions participated in the sitting.

Opening the sitting, the head of state underlined that significance of the city of Almaty is topical and urgent for the country. Last year more than KZT 40 billion had been allocated for the city budget to hold the Asian Games. World-class sports facilities had been built and many large events had been held as well. Now it is very important for the sports facilities to be used and attended by the people, especially by the young.

Almaty manufactured almost fifth part of GDP and produced more than one forth of revenue to the public budget. The public budget also allocated transfers to settle the issues of the city. Nowadays all main elements of infrastructure that correspond to megapolis have been established in Almaty. Almaty ranks over other Central Asian countries and even such large Russian regions in GRP ranking. For instance, Almaty exceeds Tashkent (4.5 times), Novosibirsk Region (1.5 times) and Omsk Region (twofold) in Gross Regional Product. The city in the region is producing a very positive effect.

The well-being of residents of Almaty is increasing because much attention is being given to the city itself. Much work is being done. Presently, the per capita GRP is estimated at USD 19,000. It corresponds with the same level in South Korea and Central European countries. For the last 10 years the average monthly salary increased fivefold. The average life expectancy for the Almaty residents has increased threefold and the birth level has increased twofold.

According to the international experts data Almaty is listed among Detroit, Edinburgh, Manchester, Saint-Petersburg, and Doha as the World’s Most Global City and acknowledged as the region’s gateway to the world economy. The city’s significance is of large importance that is why a great emphasis is laid on the city by the state.

“The tasks of the industrial innovative development program, which is controlled by me in person, are being actively realized. Following the results of 2010, Almaty manufactured industrial production amounting to about KZT 370 billion. Growth in the processing industry made more than 40 percent. And it is very important and shows that funds allocated to these goals are giving their results,” the President highlighted.

The city uses 27 percent of the volumes of production of small and medium business throughout the country. It is a good indicator. More than 350 thousand people are employed in this sector. But there is still much work to do ahead.

In the course of the meeting Mayor of Almaty Akhmetzhan Yessimov reported to the President on the course of the city’s current and further development.