Kazakhstan, Astana, Jan. 27 /Trend L. Podolyak/
Nine special economic zones as well as two industrial zones in Astana and Karaganda function in Kazakhstan, the Kazakh Prime Minister's official website said.
Six special economic zones are successfully developed in Kazakhstan. These are "Astana - new city" special economic zone, Park of Information Technologies, "Ontustik", National Industrial Petrochemical Park, "Burabai" and two industrial zones in Astana and Karaganda.
277 facilities are functioning in the territory of "Astana - new city" special economic zone. 29 investment projects are implemented in "Sea Port Aktau" special economic zone. 63 companies are registered in the Park of Innovation Technologies. "OxyTextile" and "Hlopkoprom-Cellulose" companies implemented two investment projects in "Ontustik" special economic zone. A project on construction of integrated gas-chemical plant is implemented in the National Industrial Petrochemical Park.
Three new special economic zones were established in the country in late 2011. "Saryarka" special economic zone for development of metallurgy and metal processing sector was established in Karaganda region, "Khorgos - East Gates" special economic zone for transport and logistics potential development - in Almaty region and "Pavlodar" special economic zone for chemical and petrochemical industries development - in Pavlodar region.
Over 300 participants of the zones were registered in the end of 2011. This is a 3 times increase. The Government of Kazakhstan will continue development of special economic zones in 2012. Thus, on the instruction of the President, industrial zones are planned to be established in all regions of the country. The legislation provides for a number of tax preferences.