National policy is typically based on national averages that do not represent any particular region or city. Once the lens is adjusted to the right scale, it will become easier for Kazakhstan to understand the most pressing challenges of each region and how best to address them. While some issues may apply nation-wide, others require complementary policies that vary from place to place. This will require fine-grained data, indicators and policy approaches and require co-ordinating responses with subnational governments. The Five-Year Economic Plans serve as the basis for approval of the local budgets planned for three years, including money for implementation of the economic plans. All 14 oblasts and the two cities of republican significance (Almaty and Astana) are now responsible for the “Five-Year Forecast of Socio-Economic Development” (TlpozH03 coifuajibno-3KOHOMmecKoeo pa38umm/FSCD) and “Five-Year Programmes of Territorial Development” (JlpoepaMMa pa3eumm meppumopuu/PTD).