Mamin holds session of Council of Eurasian Development Bank
International rating agencies praised the financial stability of EDB: Standard & Poor's upgraded the bank to BBB, Moody’s affirmed Baa1, and Fitch assigned a rating of BBB +.
Prime Minister Askar Mamin chaired a videoconference session of the Council of the Eurasian Development Bank.
Plenipotentiary representatives of the bank’s shareholders attended the meeting: from Armenia – Deputy Minister of Finance Armen Hayrapetyan, Belarus – Minister of Finance Yuri Seliverstov, Kyrgyzstan – Minister of Finance Baktygul Zheenbaeva, Russia – Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Tajikistan – Minister of Finance Fayziddin Kakhhorzoda.
Opening the meeting, Askar Mamin thanked Andrey Belyaninov, who had left the office of the EDB Chair of the Board the previous day, for fruitful work, wishing success to the newly appointed Head of the Bank Nikolai Podguzov.
During the meeting, the Council approved the Regulation on the EDB Digital Initiatives Fund. The goal of the new Fund is to assist the member countries of the Bank in the development of tools and practices for digital transformation by integrating their information resources and participating in the development and financing of projects, including those being implemented as part of the Guidelines for the digital agenda of the Eurasian Economic Union until 2025.
In accordance with the best practices of international development banks, a Human Resources Committee has been created under the EDB Council, the regulation on which was approved as part of the Council meeting.
The Council summed up the work of the Eurasian Development Bank in 2019 – the current EDB investment portfolio increased by 25.6% to $4.3 billion. The balance sheet portfolio grew by 31% to $2.8 billion. The countries with the largest shares in the portfolio are Russia (45.7%) and Kazakhstan (40.1%).
The industry structure of the current investment portfolio at the end of 2019 has not changed – the largest share is occupied by projects in the energy sector (21.1%), transport (18.9%), and the financial sector (18.7%).
In 2019, agreements were signed on 27 new projects for a total of $1.3 billion. The Bank actively developed its presence in all participating countries and, taking into account the current strategy, financed national development projects and projects with significant integration effect.
The share of integration projects in the Bank's portfolio exceeded the target value and reached 54.4%. The total borrowing volume of the Bank amounted to $2.6 billion. In 2019, the EDB placed five bond issues in Kazakhstan tenge for a total of 80 billion tenge, five bond issues in Russian rubles for a total of 23 billion rubles, as well as a secondary placement of Eurobonds for $201 million
Given the significant growth in the investment portfolio, the EDB was able to maintain its quality at the proper level. The share of provisions in the balance sheet decreased in 2019 from 3.2% to 2.4%. According to the results of 2019, the Bank's profit amounted to $68.9 million. Return on capital – 3.8%.
Of great importance for the development of investment activity in Kazakhstan is the signing of an agreement with the National Bank of Kazakhstan, which allows the EDB to attract funding with a limit of 200 billion tenge.
International rating agencies praised the financial stability of EDB: Standard & Poor's upgraded the bank to BBB, Moody’s affirmed Baa1, and Fitch assigned a rating of BBB +.
Source: primeminister.kz
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Roman Sklyar, First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, meets with Anton Alikhanov, Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia
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First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar held a meeting with Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Anton Alikhanov, primeminister.kz reports.
The parties considered topical issues of bilateral cooperation and the implementation of industrial cooperation projects.
Today the total portfolio of bilateral initiatives exceeds $52 billion and includes 168 projects. Over 90 of them have already been successfully implemented, the rest are in the process of implementation.
The parties also discussed a number of other issues in the sphere of industrial development and further mutually beneficial co-operation.
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1.2 thousand passenger cars planned to be purchased by year-end 2029 in Kazakhstan
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Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan Marat Karabayev at the Government session reported on the work being done to develop the railway industry and increase the transit potential of the Republic, primeminister.kz reports.
He noted that Kazakhstan is forming a network of effective transit transcontinental routes. On the territory of the country are 5 major international railway corridors that connect Chinese markets with Europe and Central Asia. Over the past 10 years, the volume of container transit along these corridors has grown almost 5 times. The volume of cargo traffic for 10 months increased by 3.5% to 263,400 thousand tonnes. Domestic traffic grew by 10.8%. The volume of transit freight traffic remained at the level of last year and amounted to 22.4 million tonnes. At the same time, container transit increased by 7.5%.
In order to further develop the industry, the Concept for the Development of the Railway Industry until 2029 was adopted. Within the framework of this document it is planned to work in the following 5 directions: renewal of rolling stock; development of junction points; development of mainline railway networks; improvement of tariff policy; development of passenger traffic.
The Minister added that work is now actively underway to increase the capacity of the TMTM and North-South transit corridors.
Due to the changes in the world of traditional logistics routes, the importance of the North-South corridor is growing day by day. The throughput capacity of the corridor is 10 million tonnes per year. The volume of cargo actually transported this year was 1.8 million tonnes. Given the potential of the corridor, it is planned to increase its capacity to 20 million tonnes," Marat Karabayev said.
For this purpose, as the Minister noted, in July this year the Road Map on synchronous development of the corridor with Iran, Turkmenistan and Russia was signed. In order to attract cargo traffic along this corridor Kazakhstan has provided special tariff discounts of 50% for transit transportations. In addition, work is underway to create a single logistics operator on the eastern route "North-South" similar to the United Transport and Logistics Company (UTLC).
It was noted that in the first 10 months of this year the volume of transportations along the TMTM corridor increased by 68% and amounted to 3.8 million tonnes.
The Minister also said that currently the total number of locomotive fleet is about 1.8 thousand units. The level of wear and tear is 61 per cent.
In order to provide rolling stock and reduce the level of wear of the fleet, 185 locomotives have been purchased this year. Next year it is planned to purchase 187 units, in the next three years it is expected to supply another 257 locomotives. This will completely eliminate their deficit," Marat Karabayev assured.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the total fleet of freight wagons is 139,000 cars. More than 300 private operators work in the market. Of these, Kazakhstan Temir Joly accounts for 38,000 wagons, which are involved in socially important transportations, i.e. in the energy sector of the country and the transport of coal supplied to the population.
Until 2026, the national operator additionally plans to supply 3 thousand gondola cars, of which 800 units have already been put into operation this year.
Special attention is paid to the passenger car fleet. Last year 118 new wagons were purchased, this year - 143 units. Next year it is planned to purchase 226 carriages. By 2029 it is planned to purchase about 1.2 thousand units of passenger cars. This will make it possible to increase the passenger car fleet to over 3 thousand units and reduce the level of wear and tear to 38%. To fulfil these tasks, it is proposed to create a united leasing company with the possibility of providing passenger cars of domestic manufacturers for lease with subsequent purchase," Marat Karabayev reported.
According to the Ministry, today there are 27 railway border points with five neighbouring countries. Of these, Dostyk, Altynkol and Saryagash stations in the directions of China and Central Asia fully use their capacity. To increase their capacity, work is underway to build additional tracks and parks, expand inspection points and terminal facilities. These measures will increase the throughput capacity of Dostyk and Altynkol stations by 2 times.
In addition, in order to further develop the transport and transit potential of the country, work is underway on the construction of 4 railway projects with a total length of 1,300 kilometres. Construction of the second tracks of the Dostyk-Moyinty railway section and the Almaty bypass line continues, and construction of the Darbaza-Maktaaral and Bakhty-Ayagoz railway lines has begun.
Implementation of these projects will increase the throughput capacity of Dostyk station up to 35 million tonnes and reduce the time of cargo transportation through Almaty station, unload Saryagash station, increase the throughput capacity up to 20 million tonnes in the direction of Central Asia and China.
In addition to the implementation of infrastructure projects, work is underway to develop the mainline railway network. By 2029, it is planned to repair 11,000 kilometres of railway sections, of which 2,800 kilometres have been repaired to date. It is also planned to build about 5,000 km of new and second tracks, to introduce autoblocking on 2,600 km, and to modernise 184 stations.
The tariff policy will be further improved for the timely implementation of projects aimed at the development of railway infrastructure. The interests of domestic producers will be fully taken into account.
The head of the Transport Ministry also said that 17.6 million passengers were transported in the first 10 months of 2024, which is 6 per cent more than in the same period last year. It is planned to transport 21 million passengers by the end of this year.
In order to create favourable conditions for transporting the population, modernisation of railway stations is required. Out of 59 main railway stations, 54 stations are in need of repair. To date, the stations in Kyzylorda, Shymkent, Pavlodar and Turkestan have been overhauled. For the rest of the stations the relevant technical documents are being developed, sources and mechanisms of financing are being worked out.
In general, the implementation of these measures will make it possible to increase exports by rail transport to 130 million tonnes by 2029, transit traffic to 45 million tonnes. Exports and imports by road transport are expected to grow by 2 times, transit by 6 times," Marat Karabayev summarised.
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Islamic Development Bank to invest $1.15bn in Kazakhstan's water sector
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The parties signed the relevant agreement at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in Baku. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Nurlan Baybazarov noted that this is the largest project financed by the Islamic Bank in history, primeminister.kz reports.
In addition, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) will allocate a grant of $3.5 million for the development of the water sector of Kazakhstan.
The IDB will also participate in the implementation of the project ‘Development of Climate Resilient Water Resources’ developed by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. Earlier the parties signed the Protocol of negotiations on the first phase of the project.
The first stage of the financed project envisages construction of 4 new and reconstruction of 4 existing reservoirs, reconstruction and overhaul of 115 canals, including the Astana reservoir recharge project. Construction works will take place in Akmola, Almaty, Zhambyl, Kyzylorda, Turkestan, West Kazakhstan regions, Zhetisu region and Astana city.
In addition, the project envisages technical cooperation between IDB and the Ministry in the study of water and river basin problems by the Kazakh Research Institute of Water Management, as well as evaluation of the implementation of early response systems for the Information and Analytical Centre for Water Resources.
This includes plans to technically equip the Republican State Enterprise Kazvodkhoz and build an automation centre to improve water management.
The Head of State has repeatedly emphasised the importance of attracting investment in the water sector. We are facing the task of modernising and adapting water infrastructure to the ongoing climatic changes. Financing by such a reputable institution as the Islamic Development Bank demonstrates the high confidence in our country, the investment policy and the ongoing socio-economic reforms," Nurlan Baibazarov noted.
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Olzhas Bektenov: Business needs to feel confident and able to expand and invest in tomorrow
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Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov took part in the forum of small and medium-sized businesses, where the issues of current development of entrepreneurship were raised, measures taken to improve state support for domestic producers were noted, as well as ideas for further improvement of the business climate in the country were voiced, primeminister.kz reports.
More than 450 SME representatives from all regions of Kazakhstan took part in the forum. Attention was paid to the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, increasing the share of in-country value, simplification of administrative procedures through digitalisation of services, implementation of investment projects, expansion of export potential of TNA, etc.
Olzhas Bektenov noted that within the framework of implementation of the tasks set by the Head of State in the Address "Fair Kazakhstan: law and order, economic growth, public optimism", the Government carries out comprehensive work to increase business activity and create favourable conditions for doing business.
Thus, in accordance with the introduced principle of regulation ‘from scratch’, since last year more than 10 thousand requirements preventing businesses from developing have been cancelled. Financial assistance measures are being implemented to support priority sectors of small and medium-sized enterprises. Within the framework of subsidies and partial guaranteeing on loans from second-tier banks, the coverage has increased 5 times since 2019 to over 150 thousand projects. At the same time, the amount of subsidies paid to them increased 8 times.
Overall, as a result of the comprehensive measures taken, the share of SMEs in the country's economy has increased to 37 per cent. More than 4 million people are currently employed in business. Over the past six months, SMEs produced 34 trillion tenge worth of products, an increase of about 20% compared to the same period last year.
The President has clearly stated that opening the way for domestic businesses and investors is one of the priority tasks of the Government and all state bodies. Our goal is to create an economy in which business will feel confident and will have the opportunity to realise their ideas, expand and invest in the future. For this purpose, it is important that every entrepreneur can count on open and prompt interaction with government agencies. In the context of global challenges and rapid technological progress, it is necessary not only to develop mechanisms to support entrepreneurs, but also to actively diversify the economy. And here the role of business is paramount," Olzhas Bektenov emphasised.
The effectiveness of support measures on the part of the state was noted on the example of agro-industrial complex. This year concessional lending for spring field and harvesting works has been increased 2.5 times and totalled 580 billion tenge, which allowed to obtain high yields for all types of crops. Prime Minister noted the prospects of achieving similar indicators in the SME sector. In this case, state support should be accompanied by counter obligations of business in the form of providing the domestic market with high-quality and inexpensive products, deep processing, creation of permanent jobs and gradual enlargement with a view to export.
A serious potential for the development of an SME belt around large businesses has been identified. Large enterprises should actively enter into long-term contracts with local companies. This will become an obligatory condition for receiving state support. Relevant instructions have been given to all development institutions.
This year, the Government has taken a number of decisions in terms of priority support for domestic producers. Today, the list of goods purchased by the state procurement in priority order from Kazakhstani commodity producers has been expanded 3 times to 4.5 thousand types. The amount of concluded contracts increased by 31% and amounted to 167 billion tenge. Changes have also been introduced in procurement procedures by large customers (Samruk-Kazyna Fund, subsoil users): this year more than 100 long-term contracts for the amount of 470 billion tenge and more than 260 off-take contracts for 134 billion tenge have been concluded with domestic commodity producers, which is 14 times more than in the same period last year.
Within the framework of the Year of Working Professions announced by the President, special attention is paid to the development of human capital, integration of science and production. Olzhas Bektenov urged businesses to focus on improving human resources, providing an effective base for student internships and employment of graduates through job quotas.
During the forum, the chairman of the Presidium of the Atameken NCE Raimbek Batalov reported on the development of the ecosystem of small and medium-sized businesses in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Social entrepreneur Zhanagul Zhaparova told about participation in the project "One Village - One Product", aimed at the development of the village through the production of the whole chain from raw materials to finished product. The heads of Kazelectromash LLP Vitaly Raspopin and Kubley LLP Zaure Berekesheva shared their experience in mastering high conversion and development of meat processing through the cluster approach.
On the margins of the forum Prime Minister got acquainted with the line of domestic products. Of particular importance for the economy are the projects implemented by Kazakh entrepreneurs throughout the production chain. On the example of the textile industry the Head of the Government was presented a number of enterprises, which are engaged in growing cotton, production of yarns and fabrics, as well as production of finished products, which are in demand both in the country and abroad. In this context Olzhas Bektenov emphasised the importance of the new approach to support projects according to the principle of creating clusters based on the direction of the region. Together with the business community were discussed issues, the solution of which will give an additional impetus to the development of SMEs. The Prime Minister gave a number of instructions to relevant ministries and organisations.
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Olzhas Bektenov meets leading Chinese companies in Shanghai: $2.5bn agreements signed
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Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov as part of a working visit to the People's Republic of China took part in the Kazakh-Chinese investment roundtable with business representatives. In the city of Shanghai will hold talks with the Premier of the State Council of the PRC Li Qiang, scheduled to participate in the VII China International Import Exhibition, primeminister.kz reports.
The main purpose of the working visit is to implement the agreements reached between the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping on doubling the volume of bilateral trade turnover from the historical record of last year at the level of $41 billion.
The round table was attended by representatives of companies that are leaders in metallurgy, energy, machine building and automotive industry, carbon chemistry, agribusiness, pharmaceuticals and others. The Kazakhstan delegation was represented by the heads of relevant ministries and large domestic enterprises.
Prospects for the development of joint projects in priority sectors of the economy were considered. The participants of the meeting noted that trade and economic partnership between Kazakhstan and China is on the rise. Today about 5 thousand joint ventures are successfully operating in Kazakhstan.
Among the major joint Kazakh-Chinese projects are the construction of a plant for the production of soda ash together with Camc Engineering, the Sastobe chemical complex with Tianjin Cement Industry Design and Research Institute and a plant for the production of explosives with Yunnan Industrial Explosive Group. The construction of the CHANGAN, HAVAL, CHERY automobile production plant with a 90,000-unit capacity based on small-unit assembly is nearing completion. An Investment Agreement for the production of Geely, Exeed, KAIYI passenger cars for $150 million with the creation of 1,000 jobs has also been signed. The projects make it possible to create technological enterprises capable of producing high-quality domestic products. These indicators, according to the business communities of the two countries, confirm the sustainability and productivity of bilateral partnership.
The head of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan noted that joint work in this direction continues, and the existing potential of trade relations demonstrates the prospects for further diversification of trade turnover and expansion of investment cooperation.
Today the cooperation between our countries is developing on an upward path. In accordance with the task set at the highest level, we intend to double our mutual trade indicators in the near future. Kazakhstan and China have huge potential for the realisation of joint investment projects. Together we can open new horizons for interaction and increase the effectiveness of cooperation. To this end, we should actively work to expand transit opportunities, strengthen industrial cooperation and build ties between our business communities. The Government of Kazakhstan is ready to expand partnerships and build strong bridges between our nations. We will provide support to investors, creating favourable conditions for business and contributing to the success of each project. I am convinced that thanks to our joint efforts, new investment initiatives will give a powerful impetus to the development of the real sector of the economy, its diversification and improvement of the quality of life of our citizens," Olzhas Bektenov said.
Prime Minister stressed that an important priority for the country is the development of industry and urged Chinese companies to closer partnership with the Kazakhstani business community.
In turn, during the dialogue, representatives of leading Chinese companies showed interest in Kazakhstan as a reliable partner for the implementation of strategic projects.
Executive member of the Board of Directors of China Huadian Corporation Zu Bin in his speech reported on the expansion of cooperation with Kazakhstan in the field of energy, including emissions reduction; acting CEO of CHN Energy Investment Yan Guochun informed about plans to launch the first coal-chemical complex in Kazakhstan; Chairman of the Board of Directors of Beijing Jianlong Heavy Industry Group Zhang Zhixiang about the development of cooperation in the steel industry; Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zijin Mining Group Chen Jinghe reported on plans for the implementation of projects in the region of Kazakhstan.
Vice President of CP Pharmeceutical Group Xie Lei on investment in the creation of a cluster in the field of medicine; General Director of Beiqi Foton Motor Wu Xibin on localisation of production in the automotive industry in the Republic of Korea; Chairman of the Board of Directors of ACRE Engineering Consulting Company Yang Zhuni informed on cooperation in the field of technology transfer; General Director of Sinotruk International Zhao Hua informed on plans to localise production of high-quality automotive trucks in the Republic of Korea.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Darwin Biotech Co., Ltd. Chen Jianheui shared his intentions to expand cooperation with Kazakh partners in the field of crop production; Chairman of the Board of Fujian Hengwang Investment (metallurgy) Zeng Zhaojiang reported on plans to implement an industrial project in Zhambyl region.
During the visit to the office of SenseTime, the Kazakh delegation was presented with new solutions and equipment used in smart and safe city projects.
As a result of the meeting, 8 commercial agreements totalling $2.5bn were signed.
- Agreement on cooperation between Samruk-Kazyna Invest LLP, QAZAQGAZ AIMAQ JSC and Goldcard Smart Group Co., Ltd. in the field of implementation of smart systems for the amount of $8 million. The project involves small-node assembly of gas meters on the territory of FEZ PIT ‘Alatau’ in Almaty from components supplied by GoldCard, taking into account the localisation of components;
- Agreement between Qarmet JSC and Zhengzhou Coal Mining Machinery Group in the field of production of equipment for coal industry on purchase of mechanised complexes for mines of the coal department of Qarmet JSC for the amount of $70 mln;
- Memorandum of Understanding on establishing the framework for investment cooperation between the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, China State Investment Fund Silk Road Fund Co.Ltd. and Kazakhstan Investment Development Fund (KIDF) Management Company Ltd. for the amount of $552 million;
- Agreement between Qarmet JSC and Xinxing Ductile Iron Pipes Co., LTD on construction of a plant for production of high-strength cast iron pipes with spheroidal graphite with a capacity of 200 thousand tonnes per year in the Republic of Kazakhstan for the amount of $161 million. The products are intended for projects on construction, modernisation, reconstruction, expansion and renovation of facilities of the housing and communal system of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
- Agreement between Qarmet JSC and China Metallurgical Group Corporation to establish long-term and comprehensive cooperation in the mining and metallurgical industries for the amount of $1 billion;
- Agreement between Qarmet JSC and ACRE Coking & Refractory Engineering Consulting Corporation on implementation of the strategic project on modernisation of coke-chemical production and development of coal chemistry for the amount of $649 mln;
- Agreement between Qarmet JSC and Nanjing Fiberglass Research & Design on construction of a factory for production of mineral insulation from blast furnace slag in Temirtau for the amount of $30 million, with a capacity of 100 thousand tonnes of finished products per year and creation of 200 new jobs;
- A package of agreements between Saran Machinery LLP and Sinotruk International on cooperation in distribution and assembly of KDs, technology licensing and use of trademarks for the amount of $70 million. Among them is a Memorandum on the implementation of a project in Saran for the production of cargo and special-purpose machinery, under which it is planned to create about 1,000 new jobs in the future.
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