Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting with Alexander Demidov, Vice President for Asset Management of the British company SEFE Marketing&Trading Limited, and Yuri Kim, Director of Kazakhstan SAFC LLP Yuri Kim. They discussed issues of co-operation on the example of implementation of the first forest-climatic project in Kazakhstan.

Within the framework of the Memorandum concluded in the presence of the President of Kazakhstan on the margins of the World Climate Summit SOR 28 in Dubai in December 2023, today in Astana signed an Agreement between SEFE Marketing & Trading Ltd. and SAFC LLP, providing for investment by the British company in planting forests and production of carbon units for 30 years.

The project is aimed at creating a forest ecosystem in Almaty region on an area of 1,500 hectares. It is planned to plant 3.3 million trees, including poplars, elms and associated species (turanga, birch, ash, rosehip, sea buckthorn, etc.). Implementation will be carried out using water-saving technologies and intensive agricultural techniques. The average annual emission reduction is projected to be 26 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare. In total, 1.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide will be removed over 30 years, equivalent to 780 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare. In addition, the effect is expected in the form of agroforestry, ecotourism and job creation.

The Head of the Government noted the importance of joint work with business to ensure ecological balance.

"The Head of State in his Address paid special attention to the issues of ecology, preservation and multiplication of natural wealth of Kazakhstan. Reproduction of forests is of paramount importance for us. We strive to create favourable conditions for attracting foreign investment in environmental projects. The government supports projects aimed at restoring ecosystems, reducing carbon footprints, developing a green economy and other key areas," Olzhas Bektenov emphasised.

SEFE Vice-President Alexander Demidov and Director of SAFC LLP Yuri Kim during the conversation emphasised the uniqueness and importance of the project not only for Kazakhstan, but also for the whole region of Central Asia. The initiative is an example of effective interaction between business, government and international partners.

#Olzhas Bektenov #The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan #Ecology #Investments