In Astana, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, Serik Zhumangarin, held a meeting with Kumar Utsav, Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Resident Mission in Kazakhstan. The discussions focused on ongoing cooperation and new initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s economic and social development.
Over 30 years of strategic partnership
The ADB remains one of Kazakhstan’s most important financial partners. Over the decades, the bank has allocated more than $7.5 billion to projects in transport, energy, digital development, housing, and the social sector. Among the most significant initiatives are the reconstruction of the “Aktobe – Kandyagash” highway and the “Kyzylorda – Zhezkazgan” section of the “Kyzylorda – Pavlodar – Uspenka – Russian border” route. These projects enhance the country’s transport connectivity and boost its transit potential.
Public-Private partnerships and new initiatives
Special attention was given to the development of public-private partnerships. New initiatives include the construction of the “Saryagash Bypass Road”, the project “Promoting Inclusive and Green Housing Finance”, as well as programs on fiscal management and financial sector reform.
Socially significant projects are also underway, including the construction of university hospitals in Karaganda, Aktobe, and Semey. These facilities will improve the quality of healthcare services and expand opportunities for training medical professionals.
Kazakhstan and the CAREC program
Another key area of cooperation is Kazakhstan’s active participation in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program. Since joining in 2001, the country has attracted around $10 billion in funding for 32 projects, primarily in the transport sector. The CAREC initiative brings together 11 countries and major international institutions — including the ADB, EBRD, IMF, World Bank, UNDP, and others — to deepen regional integration.
The meeting also discussed preparations for the upcoming CAREC Ministerial Conference in Bishkek. “This event will not only summarize the year and set future priorities but will also become an integral part of the global dialogue on transport and transit development,” emphasized Serik Zhumangarin.
Conclusion
At the end of the talks, both the ADB and the Government of Kazakhstan confirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership and expanding joint projects aimed at sustainable economic growth. ADB’s support continues to play a vital role in Kazakhstan’s development and its integration into the regional and global economic landscape.
