OREANDA-NEWS. February 04, 2014. An extended meeting of the board of Regional Development Ministry under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov has been held in Astana.

Regional Development Minister B. Zhamishev reported on the main results of the ministry's activities and set tasks for the current year.

In particular, the Minister told about the implementation of the programs on development of regions, single-industry towns, modernization of housing, "Affordable Housing-2020", "Ak Bulak" and plans to develop regional agglomerations.Speaking at the meeting, the Prime Minister noted that "2013 was significant for the dynamic development of the regions."

"Establishment of a separate Ministry of Regional Development, in accordance with the Presidential Decree, allowed to systematize regional policy," Akhmetov said.
In particular, the Prime Minister stressed that "the priority of regional policy should be the formation of centers of economic growth." "On the instruction of the Head of State promising agglomeration are being created in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent and Aktobe. The President sets the task to develop the strategies of development of Astana and Almaty agglomerations until 2030 before the end of this year. Therefore, the Ministry has to focus on this issue," Akhmetov said.

In this regard, Serik Akhmetov instructed the Ministry of Regional Development together with the governors to take additional measures to ensure full coverage of all cities and districts by state support.

The Prime Minister also urged to implement the President's instruction on simplification of conditions for population willing to take part in "Affordable Housing" Program.
He noted that "to fulfill the President's tasks the Ministry needs to concentrate on measures of state support for the creation of long-term economic growth centers."

"The Ministry has to ensure coordination of efficient use of budget funds allocated for the development of the regions. The principle of "one window" in the face of Regional Development Ministry must become a significant point in approving budget investment projects," Akhmetov concluded.

At the end of meeting, the Prime Minister gave instructions to the authorized state agencies and set deadlines for their implementation.