Kazakhstan is launching a pilot project called the Rural Development Team in five regions to increase rural incomes and provide targeted support to families. Deputy Minister of National Economy Bauyrzhan Omarbekov reviewed the new approach in Sauran District, Turkistan Region.
The model involves working individually with each family, taking its needs and capabilities into account. Specialists will help rural residents find jobs, acquire skills, start businesses and increase their income.
The project will operate in Turkistan, Zhambyl, West Kazakhstan, Pavlodar and Kostanay regions. Teams will include employment, entrepreneurship and agriculture specialists, as well as social and legal support staff. They will guide families through available support measures, from training and grants to setting up a business.
A Rural Manager will coordinate the work at district level, helping residents access employment and training opportunities, grants and concessional loans. The manager has already started work in Babaykorgan rural district in Sauran District, where a team has been formed and a support plan approved.
One of the support measures will be the Auyl Amanaty project, which provides concessional microloans at an annual rate of 2.5%.
At the end of the working visit, a ceremony in Turkistan honoured business representatives who contributed to the development of the region's and country's economy. The event was held as part of the celebration of the Entrepreneurs' Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Bauyrzhan Omarbekov presented awards in the categories Enterprise of the Year, Investor of the Year, Best Manufacturer, Agricultural Enterprise of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Employer of the Year.
