Ministers of Energy from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, alongside representatives of the World Bank, convened in Tashkent for a roundtable discussion on advancing the Kambarata-1 hydroelectric power plant (HPP) project.
The meeting brought together Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov; Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Energy, Taalaibek Ibrayev; Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Sungat Yessimkhanov; and World Bank officials, including Regional Director for Central Asia Tatiana Proskuryakova. Senior World Bank representatives Carolina Sánchez-Páramo and Charles Cormier also attended.
The Kambarata-1 HPP project, situated in Kyrgyzstan, is a key regional initiative aimed at boosting energy security and optimizing water resource management across Central Asia.
Minister Mirzamakhmudov underscored Uzbekistan’s commitment to supporting the project, calling it a cornerstone for sustainable regional growth.
“We believe that this project will bring great benefits to all of Central Asia, strengthen regional energy security, accelerate the transition to a "green" economy, and improve the use of water resources,” he stated.
Kyrgyz Minister Ibrayev hailed the initiative as the "project of the century" and highlighted its significance in strengthening regional ties.
“Today's roundtable in Tashkent is a continuation of the meetings held in Vienna, Brussels, and Washington in 2024. These dialogues will serve to coordinate and accelerate the project, as well as attract the necessary international support,” Ibrayev noted.
Deputy Minister Yessimkhanov of Kazakhstan emphasized the importance of unified efforts among the three nations.
“Together, we will not only successfully implement the Kambarata-1 hydroelectric power plant construction project, but also ensure long-term stability in our region and stimulate the future socio-economic growth of our countries,” Yessimkhanov said.
The governments of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan have sought World Bank assistance for the project’s preparation and financing. The World Bank is conducting a feasibility study to assess the technical, economic, environmental, and social dimensions of the Kambarata-1 HPP.
Tatiana Proskuryakova reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to the project.
“The World Bank is pleased to support the efforts of the governments of the three countries to ensure a sustainable energy future in the region, accelerate economic growth, and improve the living standards of citizens. We will continue to provide technical assistance for the implementation of the Kambarata-1 hydroelectric power plant construction project. We are working with other international development partners to attract the necessary financial resources to implement the project,” she said.
During the discussions, the three countries identified key stages of the project, agreed on a joint implementation framework, and emphasized the importance of regular ministerial-level dialogues. Participants also stressed the need for international donor involvement to ensure sustainable progress.
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