The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Government of Kazakhstan have signed a new Enhanced Partnership Framework Arrangement (EPFA), extending their strategic cooperation and setting priorities for joint work through 2030, передает DKNews.kz.
The agreement was signed during the EBRD’s 35th Annual Meeting and Business Forum in Riga by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the EBRD.
Partnership extended through 2030
The new framework builds on a previous agreement signed in 2021 and is designed to streamline cooperation over the next five years.
The EPFA will support Kazakhstan’s economic development agenda through:
- investment financing
- grant funding
- technical assistance
- policy dialogue
The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in key sectors while supporting national reform programs and long-term economic modernization.
Key priorities identified
Under the new framework, Kazakhstan and the EBRD will focus on several strategic areas.
These include:
- strengthening economic resilience through private-sector development
- supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises
- attracting foreign direct investment
- advancing low-carbon development in line with the Paris Agreement
- promoting clean technologies and nature-based solutions
- investing in sustainable infrastructure
- improving electricity, water supply and wastewater systems
- strengthening public-private partnership frameworks
The agreement also places a strong emphasis on technological development.
Digitalization and artificial intelligence in focus
The EBRD and Kazakhstan plan to expand cooperation in:
- digital transformation
- artificial intelligence
- cybersecurity
- innovation ecosystems
- venture capital development
- high-tech startups
The parties will also work to reinforce Kazakhstan’s position as a regional trade and logistics hub.
Support for finance sector and green economy
Another major area of cooperation involves strengthening Kazakhstan’s financial sector.
Planned initiatives include:
- development of sustainable and green bonds
- improvement of local currency money markets
- promotion of the Astana International Financial Centre as a regional green finance hub
- support for privatization and private-sector participation reforms
- strengthening institutional capacity in government and business
The agreement also highlights the importance of gender equality, youth opportunities and balanced regional development.
Joint funding for reforms
As part of the partnership, the Government of Kazakhstan will allocate up to €6 million in grant funding to support reform initiatives and strategic partnership objectives identified under the EPFA.
The EBRD will provide matching funding, effectively doubling resources available for implementation.
The parties will also continue cooperation through advisory programs and technical assistance projects.
EBRD remains Kazakhstan’s largest development investor in Central Asia
According to the EBRD, the bank has invested nearly US$12.8 billion (€11 billion) in Kazakhstan through 354 projects.
Kazakhstan remains the largest and longest-running recipient of EBRD investment in Central Asia.
Why this matters
The new agreement signals continued confidence in Kazakhstan’s economic potential and reform agenda.
By prioritizing investment, digitalization, artificial intelligence, sustainable infrastructure and green finance, the partnership is expected to support long-term economic growth, strengthen competitiveness and help Kazakhstan advance its transition toward a more diversified and resilient economy.
