Assessment of opportunities for socio-economic sustainable development of small towns in Jambyl oblast

Abstract

Achieving sustainable development of small towns as a special system is directly related, first of all, to maintaining socio-economic stability and creating a favourable environment for human life. Indeed, as a basis for the sustainability of small towns, the development of services, effective utilisation of local characteristics and diversification of socio-economic spheres are very important. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the possibilities of socio-economic sustainable development of small towns in Zhambyl region. The study consisted of two stages: at the first stage a systematic analysis of statistical indicators of socio-economic development of Zhambyl region was conducted, the dynamics of sustainable development was assessed, at the second stage a survey was conducted and the information necessary for analysis was collected. The survey was conducted in the cities of Zhanatas, Karatau and Shu, which have the status of small towns in Zhambyl region. As a result of the survey, positive dynamics was noted for all indicators of socio-economic development of Zhambyl region. The volume of production in the region's manufacturing industry totalled 521.7 billion tenge, with a physical volume index of 111.1% compared to 2022. At the same time, the production of food products increased by 17.8%, chemical industry - by 5.5%, oil products - by 19.6%, finished metal products - by 31.9%, machine building - by 7.7%. However, according to the results of a survey conducted in the small towns of Zhanatas, Karatau and Shu, it became known that 31 per cent of respondents earn within 100-200 thousand tenge and 28 per cent within 60-100 thousand tenge. In addition, 66% of residents of small towns ask to increase the number of new jobs. Thus, the study revealed the need to modernise the socio-economic plan for sustainable development of small towns in Zhambyl region, the need to diversify the economy and improve the effective use of the environment.