For over 20 years of cooperation, the International Finance Corporation has invested more than $1.4 billion in the economy of Kazakhstan, supporting 60 private sector projects in the financial, gas, mining, agricultural and industrial sectors. The reporter of the PrimeMinister.kz had an opportunity to talk with IFC Vice President Georgina Baker about the main areas of work, the implementation of major projects, as well as the importance of the opening of the AIFC.

— Over the years of cooperation, IFC invested more than $1.4 billion in the economy of Kazakhstan. Which of the most significant projects did the corporation finance?

— I am very proud of the fact that IFC invested so much in Kazakhstan. We covered such sectors as finance, agriculture, industry. This is very important for achieving such intersectoral impact.

— What are the nearest plans of the corporation regarding our country?

— We had a meeting with Prime Minister Sagintayev, where the question was voiced about rendering assistance in the further development of the livestock sector in the light of the forthcoming increase in the volume of beef exports from Kazakhstan to China. We will consider this from the perspective of Kazakhstan's international competitiveness so that exports are really at the level and meet the necessary standards. In this regard, we will attract international investors in this sector.

— In recent years Kazakhstan has been successfully developing public-private partnership. Does this influence the expansion of cooperation with IFC?

— Speaking about the role of IFC in PPP projects, it should be noted the financial deal for the construction of the BAKAD (the big Almaty ring road). The launch of this project was a very important step for us. And now, naturally, we plan to expand our participation in PPP projects, and further attract international financing to such mechanisms in order to develop infrastructure.

— Now in Kazakhstan, on the initiative of the President Nursultan Nazarbayev, the transition to Industry 4.0 is underway. State programs are being implemented in various spheres of the economy. Does the IFC participate in these projects, and in which directions?

— We, of course, will direct our efforts to support the Kazakh economy through the ways marked by the President. We will invest in those sectors that will yield the greatest profit, where there is more potential.

— In your opinion, does the opening of the AIFC promote the activation of cooperation, and what kind of forecasts can you express on this score?

— It's absolutely real. Your opening of this Financial Center announces to the world that Kazakhstan is for international cooperation. The Financial Center is a huge step forward. We are very much looking forward to seeing how the economy develops with the opening of this center. IFC is ready to support the Financial Center which is very important part the economy. So I think this is a great step for Kazakhstan to open this Financial Center.

 

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