ASTANA: Kazakhstan’s efforts to diversify its economy are gathering pace with new infrastructure projects, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced during the presentation of state awards on Republic Day. These initiatives focus on developing energy, transport, and industrial frameworks to support the country’s “Just Kazakhstan” vision.
According to Trend News Agency, President Tokayev emphasized the completion of a bridge over the Bukhtarma Reservoir as a significant milestone. The bridge resolves long-standing logistical issues for residents who previously relied on ferries or ice crossings during winter. “Five years ago, I tasked the government with constructing this bridge. For a long time, people had to cross this water barrier only by ferry or, in winter, on ice, which was, of course, extremely inconvenient. Now, this problem has been resolved,” Tokayev stated at the bridge’s official opening.
The new bridge, now the longest in Kazakhstan, is expected to turn border areas into transit hubs, creating
a shorter transport corridor between China and Russia. Tokayev remarked, “This significant project will enhance transport connectivity across several districts in the East Kazakhstan region. Undoubtedly, good roads are the key to the well-being of our people, and I place great importance on this issue.”
President Tokayev also highlighted that 12,000 kilometers of highways are under construction or renovation, with special focus on upgrading neglected roads from the Soviet era. The Kaztalovka – Zhanibek – Russian Federation border road is set to be commissioned this year, further improving regional connectivity.
In addition to road projects, advancements in air transport are underway. New international terminals will soon open at the airports of Kyzylorda and Shymkent, Tokayev announced, indicating a broader push to enhance the country’s transportation infrastructure.
He also highlighted measures to diversify Kazakhstan’s economy, noting that exports of processed industrial products have exceeded $17.8 bill
ion, with a significant portion comprising high-value-added goods. The president pointed out that 17 breakthrough investment projects are currently being implemented, underlining the government’s dedication to economic growth through strategic infrastructure and industrial diversification.