On Wednesday, Aug. 31, Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov and Head of Presidential Administration Murat Nurtleu arrived to Turkestan city to participate in a meeting of deputies of maslikhats of all levels of Turkestan region.

The Head of Government read to the deputies a letter from the Head of State on the submission for consideration of two candidates for the post of akim of the region, Ulasbek Sadibekov and Darkhan Satybaldy.

The former Head of the region, Umirzak Shukeyev, was dismissed from his position according to the submitted application.

Alikhan Smailov emphasized that each of the candidates has extensive professional experience and the necessary competencies to manage the region.

As a result of an open vote of 286 deputies, 200 voted for the candidacy of Satybaldy, and 86 deputies voted for Sadibekov.

Introducing the new Akim to the region, Alikhan Smailov noted that the leadership of the region by the President of Kazakhstan has set tasks to improve the welfare of citizens, the development of tourism, agro-industry and other industries.

So, within the framework of the Comprehensive Development Plan of Turkestan region till 2025, it is planned to implement a number of important projects, including production of new products, modernization of roads, creation of permanent jobs and improvement of quality of life of citizens in general.

"The leadership of the region should intensify the work on maximum diversification of the economy. Priority attention should be given to providing employment, restraining increases in food prices, gas and water supply to the population, as well as to eliminating the shortage of students," the Prime Minister said.

The Head of Government drew attention to the fact that the work of the regional Akimat should be based on an effective dialogue with the population.

Alihan Smailov also noted that at present tourism is one of the major sectors of the region's economy, so it is necessary to continue work on creation of comfortable conditions for domestic and foreign tourists.

The Prime Minister thanked Umirzak Shukeyev for his great contribution to the development of the region and the city of Turkestan, which has become one of the most beautiful regional centers where important international, political and cultural events take place.