OREANDA-NEWS. Comprehensive plan for socio-economic development of Zhezkazgan, Satpayev towns and Ulytau district of Karaganda region has been approved today at the session of the Government of Kazakhstan chaired by Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov.

Regional Development Minister Bolat Zhamishev told about changes introduced in the comprehensive plan. According to him, 50 additional measures aimed at increasing the mineral resource base, industrial-innovative development, development of communication and social infrastructure in the region were included to the plan.

As a result, by 2020 the volume of tax revenues will amount to 323 billion tenge, industrial output will increase by 32%, SMEs will increase production volumes by 9%, average monthly salary will grow by 14%.

Governor of Karaganda region B.Abdishev and CEO of Kazakhmys Corporation E.Ogay, who spoke at the meeting, emphasized the significance of the comprehensive plan for the development of the region, its further social and economic growth.

According to Abdishev, the proposed comprehensive plan contains 88 measures totaling 351.5 billion tenge, including 169 billion tenge from the national budget, 24 billion tenge from the local budget and the rest amount – Kazakhmys funds.

According to Ogay, "the strategic decision on development of Zhezkazgan region will help preserve 30 thousands jobs, stabilize the socio-economic situation, and pay proper wages."

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of the document for the region rich in mineral resources.

"This comprehensive plan, developed on the President’s instruction, is to diversify the economy and make a serious modernization of existing industrial enterprises, primarily Kazakhmys Corporation," Akhmetov said.

"The comprehensive plan actualized issues related to the exploration for additional mineral exploration," Akhmetov noted. He instructed the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies together with Kazakhmys to intensify efforts to expand prospecting base of the region.

The Prime Minister believes that strong impetus to Zhezkazgan region development is connected with the implementation of government programs on development of business, single-industry towns, employment. "Through these programs it is necessary to diversify the economy of small towns, to support SMEs," Akhmetov stressed.

According to him, railways under construction "Zhezkazgan-Beineu" and "Zhezkazgan-Arkalyk" will enable to realize the potential of the region. "This is the instruction of the President and it should be fulfilled," the Prime Minister concluded.