Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov of Kazakhstan engaged in discussions with Tatyana Proskuryakova, the World Bank Regional Director for Central Asia, TuraNews.kz reports.
The meeting aimed to explore joint projects in various sectors, including economic development, digitalization, and environmental protection.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Smailov highlighted the longstanding cooperation between Kazakhstan and the World Bank, spanning over 30 years. He noted the successful implementation of 48 joint projects, totaling more than $8 billion. Currently, six active projects are contributing to the country’s development.
Smailov emphasized that the partnership with the World Bank aligns with Kazakhstan’s commitment to ongoing reforms, aiming for more inclusive and sustainable development. He cited the Joint Economic Research Program, in operation for over two decades, as a noteworthy example of this collaborative effort.
“The Government of Kazakhstan is dedicated to further deepening cooperation with the World Bank,” stated Prime Minister Smailov.
In response, Tatyana Proskuryakova highlighted the World Bank’s intensified efforts to prepare new projects in collaboration with Kazakhstan. She pointed out that negotiations held in August of the previous year facilitated this process. The focus extends to projects such as the Government’s program to connect remote settlements to the Internet.
“I think this will be a very good example for all countries of Central Asia. I think Kazakhstan’s role as a regional leader will be strengthened,” noted Proskuryakova, emphasizing the potential for Kazakhstan to lead in regional initiatives.
