On October 26, within the framework of the Investment Competitiveness Forum organized by the World Bank, Vice Minister for Investments and Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerlan Khairov, presented the reforms carried out in Kazakhstan aimed at creating a favorable investment climate and actively attracting foreign investments.

As part of the Forum, the Vice Minister held a meeting with UNIDO representatives on industrial development and implementation of joint projects.

UNIDO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, efforts of which are focused on combating poverty through increasing labor productivity. Within the framework of the UN common system, in cooperation with Member States, UNIDO is responsible for promoting the industrial development of all developing countries. UNIDO's Headquarters are located in Vienna, but the Organization operates throughout the world.

During the meeting, the participants discussed the issues of examination of Kazakhstani state programs by UNIDO. Representatives of the Organization noted the need for close cooperation in the implementation of Strategy-2030, as well as the development of SMEs.

In addition, the Vice Minister met with representatives of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. Yerlan Khairov informed the participants of the meeting about the work in Kazakhstan on attracting investors, the adopted investment strategy, plans for privatization, PPP, as well as the opening of the AIFC.

For their part, the Austrian side acquainted the Kazakh delegation with new technologies of Austrian companies and offered its advice on the creation of transport infrastructure and the development of smart cities.

In addition, the Austrian side paid special attention to the Expo-2017 exhibition held in Astana, noting its historical role, and also expressed interest in further participation in major events on the territory of Kazakhstan.