The World Bank pledges continued support to key reforms, resilient recovery in Kazakhstan, said Vice President Anna Bjerde
NUR-SULTAN, November 14, 2021 – Today, Anna Bjerde, World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, concluded her official visit to Kazakhstan. During her visit, Anna Bjerde met with Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Askar Mamin, Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar, Minister of National Economy Asset Irgaliyev and Deputy Chairman of the Senate of Parliament Askar Shakirov to discuss the World Bank’s ongoing support for reforms, including the issues of regional and metropolitan development, investment policies, and the future support in the areas of digital enabled social services, human capital, and private sector development.
“Kazakhstan embarks on a new chapter in its economic development, guided by the reforms recently announced by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The World Bank stands ready to expand our partnership and help the country become a globally competitive market economy driven by a vibrant private sector – operating in a more competitive environment – and an accountable and transparent public sector,” said Anna Bjerde, World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia. “We will continue to put an emphasis on Kazakhstan’s most important asset – its people – especially in the decarbonization process where new technology, jobs and innovation present new opportunities.”
Green, resilient and sustainable economic growth was central to discuss with government officials, as the country strives to transition to a green economy by 2050 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
Ms. Bjerde's visit followed the 26th UN Conference Climate Change (COP-26) in Glasgow, during which Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to achieve carbon neutrality in 2060, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% and increase the share of renewable energy sources from 20% to 38% by 2030. Kazakhstan also announced plans to plant over 2 billion trees by 2025 in order to increase its national carbon sequestration potential.
Over the last 30 years, the World Bank has been a key partner to Kazakhstan, supporting the development of various sectors ranging from finance and social services to infrastructure. The total amount of financing during this time amounted to over $8 billion.
In 2022, the World Bank and Kazakhstan will mark 30 years of partnership, one that has continuously aimed to help the country transform into a modern society, with a diversified, knowledge-based and private-sector driven economy.