Olzhas Bektenov discussed issues of investment cooperation with the head of the ADB and representatives of the CAREC countries, El.kz reports with reference to the press service of the Government of Kazakhstan.
On behalf of the Head of State, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov took part in the 23rd Ministerial Conference of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program, held in Astana under Kazakhstan's chairmanship. The event is aimed at expanding the interaction of the countries participating in the Program and international financial institutions in the formation of integrated and sustainable development of the Central Asian region.
The CAREC Program is an initiative of the Asian Development Bank and is implemented in partnership with leading international financial institutions.
The interaction of states in the field of economic and financial stability, infrastructure development, trade, energy, water resources, decarbonization and more was discussed.
For more than 20 years, about $51 billion has been invested in the region, of which over $9 billion has been directed to projects in Kazakhstan.
"We will continue to work closely with international financial institutions and CAREC member countries to achieve common goals. We are focused on the development of the agro-industrial complex with an emphasis on deep processing and increasing the share of processed products, actively changing the structure of exports and increasing their volumes. We are also interested in the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects that ensure transport connectivity and energy stability of the Central Asian states. I call on the countries of the region and international financial organizations to join efforts to implement joint projects," Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.
In his turn, Asian Development Bank President Masatsugu Asakawa noted that CAREC sees among its priorities the adoption of decisive action in the fight against climate change, building a sustainable infrastructure with early warning systems, as well as the development of digital transformation and innovation.
The conference participants were also introduced to initiatives aimed at developing human capital and improving the quality of life of the population.
As a result, an agreement was signed on the CAREC Climate and Sustainable Development Project Preparation Fund.