Kazakhstan, the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) discussed key priorities for further co-operation, the press service of Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
The discussion took place during a meeting between First Deputy Foreign Minister Akan Rakhmetullin and World Bank Manager for Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Andrei Mikhnev and IFC Manager for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Zafar Khashimov.
Rakhmetullin noted that the WB and IFC are important partners for Kazakhstan. He said:
“Thanks to their support, a number of joint projects are being successfully implemented in the country, which have a positive impact on socio-economic development. In the current conditions, these projects play an important role in supporting the new economic course of Kazakhstan.”
The parties reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of ongoing projects in the public and private sectors, and noted the importance of strengthening bilateral co-operation and attracting investment to achieve national goals and economic growth.
Mikhnev noted that the World Bank’s participation in Kazakhstan will expand within the framework of the forthcoming Partnership Strategy for 2026-2030, which will identify key strategic priorities. This year, the World Bank approved funding for two projects aimed at ensuring equal access to quality internet in remote rural areas and supporting policy reforms for sustainable and equitable growth.
Khashimov emphasised that IFC’s mission, as one of the largest private sector-focused development institutions, is to create new markets and opportunities in Kazakhstan. Since 1993, IFC has committed more than $2.5bn to finance various sectors of Kazakhstan’s economy.