Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), is scheduled to visit Kazakhstan from October 31 to November 1, 2024. This visit will include discussions with senior Kazakh government officials, financial leaders, and representatives from multilateral institutions to strengthen economic partnerships and facilitate sustainable development initiatives.
During her visit, President Renaud-Basso will meet with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and hold discussions with the leadership of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). These high-level talks aim to solidify agreements on several sustainable infrastructure projects that support Kazakhstan’s climate and economic goals.
One of the key highlights of Renaud-Basso’s visit will be her role as co-chair in the 26th annual plenary session of the Foreign Investors’ Council. This gathering underscores Kazakhstan’s commitment to fostering a stable environment for foreign investment. Additionally, the EBRD President will address the Global Businesswoman Council and inaugurate the EBRD’s newly established office in Astana, reflecting the Bank’s dedication to deepening its presence in the region.
Throughout her engagements, Renaud-Basso is expected to emphasize the importance of renewable energy in advancing Kazakhstan’s economic resilience and the significance of public-private partnerships in meeting the country’s growing infrastructure needs. Further, discussions will explore interregional connectivity and strategies to bolster small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), contributing to the nation’s economic diversification.
Kazakhstan is the EBRD’s largest and longest-standing partner in Central Asia, with over €10bn invested across 330 projects to date. This visit represents a continued commitment to collaborative growth, sustainable infrastructure, and strengthened economic partnerships in the region.
In May, President Odile Renaud-Basso visited Uzbekistan, where she sat down with Daryo’s Tawney Kruger to discuss the Bank’s investments in the country and its steadfast support for Uzbekistan’s reform agenda under President Mirziyoyev.
Renaud-Basso highlighted Uzbekistan’s strategic significance within the EBRD’s portfolio, noting the Bank’s consistent annual investment of $700mn-800mn. This commitment positions Uzbekistan among the EBRD’s top six investment destinations, with approximately 70% of these funds directed toward private sector growth and the rapidly expanding green economy.
The EBRD is supporting transformative projects in Uzbekistan, including initiatives in battery storage and green hydrogen. These projects aim to accelerate the country’s renewable energy potential, contributing to its goal of achieving 25% renewable energy capacity by 2030.
