Kazakhstan's Capital Serves as Inspiration for Growth
Astana was declared Kazakhstan’s capital in 1997 following President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s plan to develop the country following independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. In the years since, July 6 has been celebrated as Astana – or national capital – day with much pomp and circumstance.
But the celebrations, which over the years have included performances by leading singers and events showcasing local and international art, go further than honoring one of the world’s youngest capitals.
Indeed it’s about exalting the country’s economic growth over the past two decades.
Following a tumultuous period following independence, and with the introduction of a new currency (the tenge), the city has emerge – and continues to evolve – into an important cultural and financial center. Unlike its counterpart, former capital Almaty, there is room for growth and the government has tapped into the city’s vast potential and has, thus far, created a space that has captured the interest of regional and world leaders.
A tour around the city center will focus on some cultural landmarks, the Bayterek tower, for example. Regarded an icon of the city – and the country – the 105-meter-high structure has an observatory 97 meters above ground (to coincide with the year its home was declared capital) from where visitors can take it the whole vibrant city.
Then there’s the Opera House, a stunning piece of architecture that combines Greco-Roman and Kazakhstani design that is at once emblematic of the great opera houses of Western Europe.
And the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, built to promote understand among the world’s many religions in this, a country with around 130 ethnic groups.
These and other buildings are works of architecture that are a symbol of President Nazarbayev’s ultimate goal to modernize and move the city forward, defying critics from the early years of independence who had dismissed the country as a remote, impoverished former Soviety republic.
Part of this development has been the realization of the country’s natural resources. The extraction of oil, natural gas, coal, uranium and other ores has accelerated the country’s growth through the injection of foreign ivestment and skilled labor. But while the energy and mining sectors are the foundation of the country’s economy, it is the commitment to the tenets of “Freedom, Unity, Stability and Prosperity” outlined by the country’s first president that have also fuelled such growth.
At the heart of all this change however, is President Nazarbayev’s strategic Plan of Development where the country’s success rests on four critical avenues, Modernization, People’s Wellbeing, Innovation and Integration. Titled ‘Kazakhstan 2050,’ there are plans to instigate “100 concrete steps” as a response to the national and global challenges and as a plan for the country to join the top 30 developed countries. Among the many plans proposed (and currently being implemented) are the formation of a professional state apparatus, the rule of law, and the formation of an accountable government.
As its economy has grown, the country has taken a leading role in a number of high-profile organizations, too. In 2010 it was elected to the OSCE (Organization of Security and Cooperation) and chaired the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in 2011-2012 and also lead the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 2010-2011 (an organization it co-founded along with China, Kyrgyztan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan). In December this year, it will become the 162nd member of the WTO.
Now, as the country prepares to host the EXPO 2017 (approximately 30 countries have confirmed attendance although Indonesia is not among them yet), the first Central Asian country to do so, all eyes will be on this emerging capital at it projects itself as the model city of the future, self-contained and self-sufficient.
With its commitment to development, its excellent natural resources, human capital and drive to succeed, it is clear that Astana in particular – and Kazakhstan at large – are set to be regional powers. With the harnessing of its many resources, both domestic and international, Astana serves as an inspiration to both its neighbors and other equally emerging nations no matter their stage toward economic development.
The Peak
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