Talks in Astana open new opportunities for infrastructure projects, green energy and international financing, DKNews.kz reports.
Kazakhstan is stepping up efforts to attract international partners for its energy transition, and South Korea is emerging as a key potential ally. In Astana, representatives of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan met with a delegation from the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Korea Eximbank) to discuss future cooperation and the implementation of joint energy projects.
The meeting focused on practical mechanisms for cooperation in the context of the energy transition, including project preparation, infrastructure development and access to international financing.
What is EIPP and why it matters
During the talks, the Korean side presented the Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP). This is a grant-based initiative of the Government of the Republic of Korea aimed at supporting partner countries in developing public policy frameworks, master plans and feasibility studies.
What makes EIPP particularly attractive is that it goes beyond analytical support. The program creates a pathway toward financing full-scale infrastructure projects once they are properly prepared. Korea Eximbank acts as the program’s coordinator and may also become a financial partner for projects developed under EIPP.
In practice, this means Kazakhstan could move from strategic planning to real investment with the support of Korean expertise and capital.
Kazakhstan’s energy priorities
Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Energy Bakytzhan Ilyas took part in the meeting and highlighted the relevance of the EIPP program for the country’s long-term development goals.
According to him, strengthening the energy sector, improving the reliability of energy supply and attracting international financing remain among Kazakhstan’s top priorities.
“For Kazakhstan, the development of the energy sector, increasing the reliability of energy supply and attracting international financing are key objectives. The EIPP program is of practical interest in terms of developing innovative project solutions and implementing infrastructure initiatives,” the vice minister said.
The emphasis, he noted, is not only on new capacity but also on modernizing energy systems and introducing advanced technological solutions.
Alatau City as a potential investment hub
As discussions moved to concrete projects, the Kazakh side proposed Alatau City as a potential platform for investment and infrastructure initiatives with the participation of Korean businesses.
The project could become a testing ground for modern energy solutions, integrated infrastructure and smart technologies, combining urban development with sustainability goals. Such large-scale projects are increasingly attractive for international investors seeking long-term, stable opportunities.
Cooperation on a Just Energy Transition
Another key topic was cooperation on the creation of an investment platform for a Just Energy Transition (JETP). Both sides expressed interest in developing this initiative jointly.
The planned platform is expected to focus on structuring, supporting and financing projects aimed at modernizing energy infrastructure, as well as introducing advanced technological and digital solutions. For Kazakhstan, this could become an important tool for managing the energy transition in a systematic and investment-friendly way.
What comes next
Following the meeting, the Korean delegation confirmed its readiness to further consider Kazakhstan’s proposals and continue joint work on project initiatives within the EIPP framework.
Experts note that cooperation with Korea Eximbank could offer Kazakhstan not only access to financing, but also valuable international expertise in energy planning, infrastructure development and sustainable growth - areas that are becoming increasingly critical for the country’s future.
