Head of the Government Olzhas Bektenov on the example of Greenhouse Technologies of Kazakhstan LLP familiarised himself with the diversification of the economy of Stepnogorsk single-industry town and ensuring food security of the region.

Prime Minister got acquainted with the production facilities of one of the largest greenhouses in the country, located in Stepnogorsk, and examined the line of products. The investment project was launched in 2010 with the support of KazAgroFinance JSC and is included in the regional Industrialisation Map of Akmola region.

Today the area of the greenhouse complex is 4.8 hectares, with a production capacity of 2,400 tonnes of vegetables per year. Year-round production meets the capital's needs for fresh cucumbers, tomatoes and herbs. The products are also sold in other regions of the country. In April this year, the second phase of the project was commissioned, within the framework of which the development of new vegetable crops, in particular, aubergines, was started.

General Director of Hothouse Technologies of Kazakhstan LLP Alexander Gribalev reported that in the near future it is planned to build a department to grow up to 50 tonnes of strawberries per year. In this regard, a number of production issues were raised, including the expansion of capacity of the greenhouse complex.

Prime Minister stressed the importance of the work carried out by the enterprise to form a food belt around the capital and instructed relevant ministries to provide the necessary assistance to domestic producers to unlock the export potential.

Here Head of the Government was also informed about plans to reconstruct the city sports stadium. The facility is in an emergency condition. According to the project, the running surface, artificial turf, field heating will be renewed. Repair of one grandstand, gym, shooting gallery, locker room is planned. The construction of a new football pitch is envisaged. Brigades will start dismantling the structure in October this year. The start of construction is planned for the second quarter of 2025, and by summer 2026 the commissioning will be completed. Technical survey, project development and reconstruction were undertaken by the Altynalmas company within the framework of the social partnership of businesses.

Prime Minister noted the importance of modernisation of infrastructure and stressed the readiness of the Government to provide the necessary assistance to business in the implementation of projects within the framework of social responsibility.

During his working trip Prime Minister also familiarised himself with the activities of Stepnogorsk Bearing Plant. The enterprise produces 100% of bearings in the country and plays an important role in the development of machine building and other industries. More than 2 thousand people are provided with jobs. Last year the plant produced 20.2 thousand tonnes of bearings, for 7 months of the current year the production volume was 16.3 thousand tonnes. At the same time, the design capacity reaches 1.7 million bearings per year. Having inspected the production lines, Olzhas Bektenov drew attention to the need to further increase the load of the enterprise, and also noted the prospects of creating an industrial cluster around the production, which will help to attract investment, create additional jobs and accelerate technological progress in Stepnogorsk and its surroundings.

In the course of familiarisation with the work of the bearing enterprise, a meeting with the workers' activists was held. The questions of deepening of production, development of sales market were discussed. Attention was paid to the level of energy supply, etc. Prime Minister and members of the government delegation gave relevant comments and explanations.

"A stable supply of energy is important for the development of industry and commissioning of new enterprises. Today we consume more than we produce, so we have to buy energy. This deficit, taking into account the growing needs, will constantly grow from year to year. That is why we need reliable sources of electricity. When they say that we can develop alternative sources of energy such as solar, water, wind, we will do that too, but they will not provide the necessary stability, they can only become additional sources. The development of nuclear energy can ensure the stability of the energy system. Besides, we have our own raw materials, we have personnel," Olzhas Bektenov emphasised.

Energy Minister Almassadam Satkaliyev reported that modern nuclear power plants are built in accordance with the highest safety measures. In turn, the staff of the enterprise expressed their support for the ongoing work and initiatives of the Head of State, voiced in the Address, including support for business and construction of nuclear power plants.

#Olzhas Bektenov #Address of the Head of State #Regions #Working trip