Five agreements were signed in Astana during the second
meeting of the Coordination Council of Partners for the development of the
water sector. The documents aim to enhance cooperation between the Ministry of
Water Resources and Irrigation and international organizations. In cooperation
with a Spanish company, the parties agreed to conduct studies to map underground
water resources in western Kazakhstan. Under another agreement, the Eurasian
Development Bank will provide a grant for the creation of a National Water
Resources Information System. An agreement with the Chinese side involves the training
of Kazakh water sector specialists. Another project will support the
development of small hydropower plants in the country. In addition, the
Ministry, the Islamic Development Bank, and the UNDP signed a Statement of
Intent aimed at strengthening the technical capacity of the water sector and improving
the country’s flood forecasting system.
«In just six months, we’ve reached concrete agreements and
launched new projects with partner countries, development institutions,
financial organizations, and major companies. The Ministry has signed three
agreements and sixteen memorandums with international partners,» noted Kazakh
Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov.
«When we gathered for the very first time just a few months
ago, in late September 2024, this platform was only beginning to take shape. The
Council has evolved from an idea into a functioning platform with real
outcomes. As of today, a broad range of national and international actors have
stepped forward to support Kazakhstan’s water sector priorities,» said UNDP
Resident Representative in Kazakhstan Katarzyna Wawiernia.
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