The State Secretary has emphasized that the President of Kazakhstan attaches great importance to cooperation with international financial institutions and, in connection with that, has set the task to expand cooperation with international financial institutions with an emphasis on implementing large infrastructure projects.
G.Abdykalikova noted that today the country’s state bodies are working on actualization of the Head of the State’s Address to the Nation called "Third Modernization of Kazakhstan: Global Competitiveness". The Secretary of State has expressed her hope that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will assist in creating smart economy.
During the meeting, a number of pressing topics of Kazakhstan's cooperation with the EBRD were taken into consideration. The parties are encouraged by the current dynamics of the development of relations and exchanged opinions on matters related to execution of EBRD projects in the energy and mining sectors.
Issues of gender equality and expansion of women’s role were also touched upon. It was observed that under the terms of the Agreement between the Government and the EBRD, "Woman in Business" Program is being implemented. To date, loans have been given to more than 7,000 SMEs for a total of KZT 5.8 billion. Together with financing, the EBRD also promotes SMEs headed by women to introduce managerial know-how and technologies.
At the end of the meeting, topical issues of developing alternative energy and "green" economy, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth were discussed, that are to be considered during August 31 - September 1 in Astana at the international forum "Women for Future Energy".
Briefing Note:
Kazakhstan has been a member of the EBRD since July 27, 1992. Since 1993 in Kazakhstan, the EBRD has financed 222 projects for a total of about 7.3 billion euros (the current portfolio is 2.6 billion euros).