A significant step for our country was the transfer of the capital. The international presentation of the main city of Kazakhstan was organized on June 10, 1998. The rich program included theatrical performances at the main stadium of Astana, a gala concert of Kazakhstani and foreign artists, folk festivities took place on the main square of the city. The first trees were planted by the leaders of Turkey, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and neighboring Central Asian states on the Alley of Heads of States.

"Today we are witnessing an unforgettable historical event on the Kazakh land," Nazarbayev said addressing participants in the solemn ceremony, which, the President said, "provides a unique opportunity to show our young independent state to the world." The transfer of the capital from Almaty to Akmola, later renamed to Astana, is for Kazakhstan, according to Nazarbayev, the first step towards prosperity and sustainable economic growth.

In addition to these events, the exhibition "Astana-Expo - 98" was launched, where the largest enterprises of Kazakhstan were able to demonstrate their products, namely food products, clothing, fabrics, building materials, technological equipment and much more.

At the opening ceremony of the exhibition the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Nurlan Balgimbayev said that thanks to such events not only foreigners will be able to learn more about our economy, achievements of science, but first and foremost the people of Kazakhstan.

The exhibition itself took place in the Palace of Children's Creativity. Many organizations used modern technical means, showed video films, and distributed colorful magazines and booklets to visitors about their firm.

Translated by Raushan MAKHMETZHANOVA