Expert opinion: Zhanna Yerubayeva

The relevance of the development of border areas is due to the fact that in Kazakhstan, 12 out of 14 regions are border areas, and border with the regions of the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. 12.4 million people live in these regions.

On the border territories are located mono-and small towns of Zhitikara, Zharkent, Zaisan, Saryagash, Shardara, Shemonaikha, Mamlyutka, Bulayevo, Zhetysay with a total population of about 220 thousand people. 

At a distance of 50 km from the State border, there are more than 1,2 thousand people. RS, where 1.6 million people live.  

To date, the country is implementing several measures for the development of border areas. The development of border mono-and small towns is carried out within the framework of the State program of regional development for 2020-2025. Measures are being implemented to develop engineering and transport infrastructure. 

As for the RS, 217 border RSs have been selected within the framework of the "Auyl – El Besigi" project, where the integrated development of social, infrastructure, industrial facilities and highways is expected.

At the same time, several problematic issues that need to be addressed remain unresolved in the border territories. They are related to the continuing outflow of the population, the development of infrastructure and production facilities.    

   

In this regard, the implementation of the President's initiatives noted during the Address will help to activate the potential of the border territories and improve the level of welfare of the population.