AFD and Kazakhstan pave the way for their mutual cooperation

On May 12, 2021, a Memorandum of Understanding regarding Mutual Cooperation between the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) was signed by the Vice-minister of the National Economy of Kazakhstan, Mr. Kuantyrov and Mr Vincent Caupin, Director of the AFD's Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan regional agency. The signing ceremony took place during the visit of French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness Mr. Franck Riester.

The Memorandum specifies the main areas for further mutually beneficial cooperation envisaged in the country in line with the implementation of the Strategy 2050 of the Republic of Kazakhstan. To this end, several priority sectors have been identified, such as energy and hydropower, water supply and sanitation, environmental protection as well as agriculture and irrigation.

Vincent Caupin, Director of AFD for Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan said: “The French Development Agency is willing to start its operations in Kazakhstan to accompany Kazakh authorities in its policies in favor of the well-being of population while preserving environment. The Memorandum of Understanding signed today with the Ministry of National Economy is a first step in a cooperation that we expect to be fruitful in the years ahead”.

Since 2020, AFD has been working to start its activities in Kazakhstan, in line with its “green growth and solidarity” mandate. The signing of this document will create favorable conditions for a first AFD operation in the country, which in turn will lead to the development of mutually beneficial investment and economic ties, as well as strengthen cooperation between the Government of Kazakhstan and France.