The Irtysh is one of the largest rivers in Central Asia. It originates in China and flows through the territory of Kazakhstan and Russia. On the Irtysh by the tsar's decree people came to Siberia to build outposts and fortresses.

The Irtysh was a natural border, making it difficult to approach the city during the raids of nomads. River navigation served as a basis for the development of trade, industry and construction. The fortresses turned into major cities, linking Siberia with central Asia. During the Great Patriotic War, the Irtysh and the waterways of the Irtysh basin played an important role in providing a communication with the northern regions remote from railroads and highways. 

And nowadays Irtysh is an important natural resource and plays a key role in the life and economy of the three countries. The waters of the Irtysh feed the water supply systems of many settlements, are used for irrigation of vast agricultural lands and industrial facilities. Several hydroelectric power plants have been built on the Irtysh. The Irtysh is used for cargo transportation by river transport between Russia and Kazakhstan, as well as for the organization of international passenger and tourist transportation. Fishing in the Irtysh basin has a long history and remains an important source of income for a number of regions.