Kazakh delegation takes part in business forum marking 30th anniversary of EBRD engagement in Central Asia

LONDON, 8 July 2022 – Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Governor for Kazakhstan in the Board of Governors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Yerulan Zhamaubayev took part in a business forum marking the 30th anniversary of EBRD engagement with Central Asian countries.

Speaking at a plenary session, Mr Zhamaubayev informed the audience about Kazakhstan’s achievements over the years of independence, the current economic reforms, including the concept of “New Kazakhstan” and the new economic course, as well as measures taken to enhance the country’s investment attractiveness.

EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso noted that the Bank’s 30-year-long presence in the region has delivered significant results in building greener and more inclusive economies across Central Asia. She stressed that tens of thousands of private entrepreneurs have received financial and expert assistance, the financial sector has grown, the water supply, transport links and energy supply have improved, renewable energy sources and green cities are developing.

Chairman of the Management Board of Kazakh Invest Meirzhan Yusupov took part in a business panel dedicated to transitioning to sustainable mining in the region and investment opportunities in this sector. He spoke about the measures Kazakhstan has taken to stimulate investment and to comply with environmental, social and corporate governance standards.

On the sidelines of the forum, Mr Zhamaubayev held a number of bilateral meetings. At the meeting with Ms Renaud-Basso, the sides discussed the prospects of bilateral cooperation with the EBRD and the current issues of the development of the world economy.

Meetings with First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliev and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Usmonali Usmonzoda reviewed issues of the bilateral agenda, including trade, economic and investment cooperation.

The Kazakh delegation also met with the Chairman of Francis Maude Associates Lord Francis Maude; Managing Director and Head of Emerging Markets at MUFG Bank Christopher Marks; Senior Advisor at Dial Partners Scott Young; and Regional Manager of Tractebel Roman Vorobyev.

The forum also announced the upcoming EBRD Central Asian Investment Forum, which is set to take place on 1 December 2022 in Tokyo with the support of the Government of Japan.

The event participants also had the opportunity to visit the national stands of Central Asian countries. The Kazakh stand presented books about the history, culture, economy and politics of Kazakhstan, traditional cuisine, national costumes by a Kazakh designer Aidana Omarova and traditional jewellery by Ardak Khissina.

A music video titled “Zher Ana” by a Kazakh singer Tamara Assar was also demonstrated at the event. The song was recorded as part of the Resolution Song global music project dedicated to Earth Day.