Arab Investors and Kazakhstan to Join Forces for Water Sector Development
Kazakh Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov met with Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, and Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, Director-General of the OPEC Fund for International Development, on Sept. 10 to discuss potential cooperation and projects.
During the meetings, Nurzhigitov outlined plans for the construction and reconstruction of water management facilities as part of the Comprehensive Plan for the Development of the Water Sector for 2024-2028. He also called for investors to explore opportunities in automation and digitization of the water industry, groundwater management, reconstruction of water pipelines, and specialist training.
The parties also discussed enhancing the material and technical resources of key institutions such as the Kazakh Scientific Research Institute of Water Economy, the Information and Analytical Center for Water Resources, and the National Hydrogeological Service.
Investors expressed their interest in participating in the ministry’s projects and agreed to further discussions through joint working groups. A protocol of negotiations was signed with the Islamic Development Bank, paving the way for more agreements and investments in Kazakhstan’s water sector.
Earlier, the Arab Coordination Group had shown interest in financing infrastructure and social projects worth $7 billion in Kazakhstan. With ongoing discussions and commitments from various international entities, Kazakhstan’s water sector looks set to receive significant support and development in the coming years.
