The history of free economic zones in modern Kazakhstan originates from 1991-1992, the legal basis of its functioning became the Law «About creation of free economic zones in KazSSR» passed in November 30, 1990.
On March 25, 2016 Department of Industrial and Innovation Development and Ethno-Social Processes held methodological seminar on theme «Free economic zones in Kazakhstan» at Institute of History of the State.
In the opening speech, head of Department of Industrial and Innovation Development and Ethno-Social Processes, Cand.Sc., associate professor K.M.Ilyassova noted that the theme of the seminar was not chosen randomly, it was a logical continuation of the previous theme of in-depth study of «Economy of Kazakhstan: formation and history of development».
K.M.Ilyassova also noted that the term «free economic zones» is closely connected with the names of British explorers P.Hull and S.Hole and American scientists S.Butler. In 50s of XX century, «free economic zones» became part of the global economy and «in 90s, there were approximately 1200 various economic zones in the world, among them 400 free economic zones, 400 scientific and industrial parks, more than 300 export-oriented process zones and nearly 100 specialized zones (offshore zones, ecological and economic zones, tourist zones and others)». Free economic zones are created to enhance foreign economic relations, accelerated development of regions, solution of social problems, support o economy branches, attraction of investment, and creation of highly efficient and competitive industries.
The history of free economic zones in modern Kazakhstan originates from 1991-1992, the legal basis of its functioning became the Law «About creation of free economic zones in KazSSR» passed in November 30, 1990. In accordance with the substantive provisions of the Law, decision on creation of FEZ was the prerogative of the President, operation life of FEZ should not exceed 25 years. The number of created FEZ was 9 in this period, including FEZ «Zhairem-Atasu» in the former Zhezkazgan region, FEZ «Alakol and Zharkent» in Taldykorgan region, sub-zone «Taldykorgan-interurban transport» in Taldykorgan, Lisakov FEZ in Kostanay region, free trading zone «Atakent» in Almaty, and FEZ in Atyrau, East Kazakhstan, Karaganda, Mangystau region. A comprehensive study of the archives showed that Lisakov reached the highest rate among the above mentioned FEZ.
During the theoretical-methodological seminar, the staff of the Department of Industrial and Innovation Development and Ethno-Social Processes gave a detailed description of 10 free economic zones created in the period since 2001. Among them FEZ: «Astana — new city», «Information-service yard», «Ontustik» OxyTextile, «Cotton industry-Cellulose», «Seaport Aktau», «National Industrial Petrochemical Science Park», «Burabay», «Saryarka», «Gates of Khorgos-East», «Pavlodar» industrial chemistry and petroleum chemistry«, «Taraz — chemical park». The special attention was paid to the history of creation and functioning of Lisakov FEZ (1992-1999), Kyzylorda FEZ (1996-1999), Akmola FEZ (1996-1999), FEZ «Astana-new city» (2001-2027) in scientific publications of Department staff.
