The 12th Astana Economic Forum (AEF), themed “Inspiring growth: people, cities, economies”, started in Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan. The first President of the Country, Nursultan Nazarbayev kicked off the Forum.

“Our regular meetings became a good tradition. I initiated convening such a forum in 2008. I really appreciate the great atmosphere maintained here. It became the regular event. And today it is the 12th forum. Every year we discuss the pressing global and regional issues, the strategic issues which will influence the development in the near future.  Over the past years we debated a wide range of issues, including G-Global projects, environmental problems, war on poverty, development of human capital, new energy. Last year we held the Global Challenges Summit. Two anti-crisis conferences were held as part of the forum with support of the UN GA. The recommendations and conclusions debated there largely helped Kazakhstan timely address global challenges, successfully overcome difficulties, our thoughts. You know that our development model has proved its sustainability and efficiency despite all circumstances and forecasts,” Nursultan Nazarbayev said at the plenary session of the XII Astana Economic Forum.

He added that, “I highly appreciate confidence of our partners, countries, friendly investors who had trusted and trust Kazakhstan today. I think that such pragmatic optimism is a key exponent of confidence in political and economic system of Kazakhstan. Our country has become one of the respected members of the world community. For the years of independence, the country’s economy grew 20 times, the poverty reduced from 40% to 3%. We will further intensify our efforts in this direction,” the Leader of the Nation said addressing the XII Astana Economic Forum.”

Agencies