During a productive working visit to Washington, D.C., Akylbek Zhaparov, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Chief of Administration of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, engaged in negotiations with senior officials of the World Bank Group. The discussions culminated in the signing of agreements aimed at bolstering the Kyrgyz Republic's development endeavors.
The Kyrgyz Republic formalized agreements with the International Development Association (IDA), a branch of the World Bank Group, securing financing totaling $42.64mn for crucial developmental projects. The first agreement, valued at $35mn, is dedicated to the "Development of Sustainable Agri-Food Clusters." Concurrently, a second additional financing agreement worth $7.64mn was inked for the "Sustainable Development of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project."
The focal point of Zhaparov's discussions with the World Bank leadership revolved around the existing collaborative efforts and future prospects between the Kyrgyz Republic and the institution. Key sectors of interest included healthcare, education, social protection, water supply and irrigation, energy, renewable energy sources, and the green economy.
Zhaparov underscored the pressing issues surrounding water and energy resource provision, emphasizing their significance not only for Kyrgyzstan but for the broader Central Asian region. Highlighting the potential regional impact, Zhaparov articulated his conviction that the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1 hydroelectric power plant would yield substantial benefits.
To garner support for the Kambarata HPP-1 project, Zhaparov unveiled plans to host an investment forum in Vienna, inviting international partners and financial institutions to participate. Antonella Bassani, Vice-President of the World Bank for Europe and Central Asia, lauded Kyrgyzstan's capabilities in producing and exporting clean, renewable electricity. She affirmed the World Bank's commitment to supporting Kyrgyz initiatives within the framework of global climate change objectives.
Further discussions ensued with Anna Bjerde, Managing Director for Operations of the World Bank, where Zhaparov expressed gratitude for the enduring partnership and significant assistance provided by the World Bank. Zhaparov emphasized Kyrgyzstan's unwavering dedication to implementing comprehensive economic reforms aimed at enhancing the well-being of its populace.
Providing insights into the Republic's economic progress, Zhaparov shared encouraging statistics revealing an average economic growth rate of nearly 7% over the past three years. The parties also deliberated on matters pertaining to climate change, energy equilibrium, and collaborative projects in water-energy, agriculture, and agri-food sectors.
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