Kazakhstan is preparing for a new phase of cooperation with one of the world’s most influential financial institutions, DKNews.kz reports.
During a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Astana, officials from Kazakhstan and the World Bank Group discussed future projects and priorities that could shape the country’s economic development over the next decade.
The talks brought together First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yerzhan Ashikbayev, Andrei Mikhnev, Regional Director for Central Asia at the World Bank, and Zafar Khashimov, Country Manager of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in Kazakhstan.
A Strategic Partner for Kazakhstan
For many years, the World Bank Group has been one of Kazakhstan’s key international partners. According to Ashikbayev, the cooperation has played an important role in supporting infrastructure development and large-scale socio-economic reforms.
The scale of the partnership is significant. Under the Country Partnership Framework for 2020–2025, Kazakhstan implemented 14 projects worth around $4.2 billion with the support of the World Bank.
These projects covered areas that affect everyday life in the country — from modernizing infrastructure to strengthening institutions and improving economic management.
What the New Cooperation Plan Could Bring
One of the main topics of the meeting was the preparation of a new Country Partnership Framework for 2026–2031. This document will determine how the World Bank and Kazakhstan plan to work together in the coming years.
Andrei Mikhnev presented the bank’s current program in the country and outlined several areas that could become priorities in the new framework. Among them:
- development of transport infrastructure
- modernization of municipal services
- improvements in the energy sector
- water resource management
- support for structural economic reforms
These areas reflect some of the biggest challenges facing Kazakhstan today — including infrastructure renewal, sustainable energy development, and efficient management of natural resources.
IFC’s Role: Investment and Private Sector Growth
Another key participant in the meeting was the International Finance Corporation, the private-sector arm of the World Bank Group.
Zafar Khashimov spoke about IFC’s current projects in Kazakhstan, which include initiatives in:
- transport infrastructure
- the financial sector
- microfinance development
The corporation is also working on advisory programs designed to strengthen the mortgage market and support the development of electromobility, an emerging sector that could play an important role in the country’s transition toward cleaner transport.
Digital Economy and PPPs: New Opportunities
Beyond traditional infrastructure projects, the discussion also focused on several forward-looking areas.
Both sides highlighted the importance of:
- digital transformation of the economy
- development of railway and logistics infrastructure
- modernization of municipal systems
- improved water resource management
- expansion of public-private partnership (PPP) mechanisms
For Kazakhstan, these directions are closely linked to the broader goal of diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on raw materials.
Why This Partnership Matters
Cooperation with international institutions such as the World Bank brings not only financing, but also access to global expertise, technologies, and best practices in governance and economic policy.
For Kazakhstan — the largest economy in Central Asia — this partnership can help accelerate modernization while addressing long-term challenges such as urban development, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
At the end of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their intention to strengthen cooperation and maintain an active dialogue.
As preparations for the 2026–2031 Country Partnership Framework continue, the coming years could see new large-scale projects aimed at transforming infrastructure, supporting private sector growth, and advancing Kazakhstan’s economic modernization.
If these plans materialize, the next phase of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the World Bank Group could become one of the most significant chapters in the country’s development strategy.
