Kazakhstan and World Bank Discuss New Infrastructure Projects and Partnership Priorities

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, Serik Zhumangarin, held a meeting in Washington with World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, Antonella Bassani, and other representatives of the World Bank Group.

The talks took place as part of preparations for a presentation on Kazakhstan's investment opportunities scheduled during the Kazakh delegation's visit to the United States.

During the meeting, it was noted that Kazakhstan highly values the established strategic partnership with the World Bank, which is based on trust, professionalism, and a shared commitment to sustainable development. From 1993 to 2026, over 50 projects worth more than $8 billion have been implemented in areas such as transport, education, ecology, green technologies, and digitalization.

Serik Zhumangarin emphasized that one of Kazakhstan's key recent reforms has been in fiscal policy. The effectiveness of this reform is already being confirmed by the results of the first quarter of this year: state budget revenues excluding transfers amounted to 6.4 trillion tenge—an increase of 931 billion tenge compared to last year.

"Despite being landlocked, Kazakhstan has significant potential and demonstrates steady growth rates. However, global changes require adaptation and increased productivity. We are ready to support the country both through infrastructure investments and through reform implementation," said Antonella Bassani.

The priority areas for cooperation outlined in the new Partnership Framework Strategy for 2026–2030 align with Kazakhstan's strategic goals. These include developing transport and digital connectivity; modernizing water and energy sectors; developing financial markets; attracting private investment; strengthening climate action; and expanding renewable energy use.

Two major infrastructure projects are currently underway within the existing portfolio: The reconstruction of the Karaganda–Zhezkazgan highway (cost: 1.1825 trillion tenge; implementation period: 2025–2028) and a project titled "Accelerated Digitalization for an Inclusive Economy in Kazakhstan" (funding: approximately $84 million).

Additionally, eight more projects in transport, energy, water resources, and digitalization are under development. Promising initiatives under consideration include projects for restoring the Northern Aral Sea; constructing the Beyneu–Saksaulsk highway; transforming railway communication; improving transport connectivity within Kazakhstan; among others.

Special attention was given to a national project titled "Modernization of Energy and Utility Sectors," which involves updating over 200 natural monopoly entities. This project is seen as crucial for ensuring sustainable economic growth in Kazakhstan.

The importance of modernizing energy and water sectors—one of the most capital-intensive areas—was also highlighted. The World Bank intends not only to provide public financing but also to help attract private investments into these sectors.

The parties confirmed their readiness to further expand cooperation ahead of discussions on an infrastructure investment program scheduled for May this year.