Kazakhstan is seeking to collaborate with the EU to strengthen water infrastructure
At the 14th meeting of the Kazakhstan-EU dialogue platform on April 18, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov stressed the importance of broadening partnerships with European Union (EU) nations to foster the development of resilient water infrastructure in response to the persistent flood challenges in Kazakhstan, as stated by the Prime Minister’s press service.
Bektenov highlighted the importance of adopting new approaches to effective resource management to mitigate future disasters. He conveyed the government’s keen interest in implementing the EU’s best practices and advancements, urging both sides to align their efforts.
The Kazakh government has embraced a development concept for water resource management aimed at minimizing unproductive losses during transportation, enhancing monitoring systems for irrigated land, and modernizing hydraulic structures to mitigate the risk of emergencies.
EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan Kęstutis Jankauskas underscored the priority of cooperation on water-related issues in Central Asia, emphasizing that collaboration in agriculture and water resource management will feature prominently on the bilateral agenda this year. He affirmed the EU’s readiness to assist Kazakhstan in this regard, including through the transfer of knowledge and technologies for sustainable water basin and river management.
During the meeting, ambassadors from European nations and representatives of foreign companies shared insights into water-saving technologies and agricultural development. Austrian Ambassador Willy Kempel introduced innovative irrigation technology and solutions for dry farming, which offer the potential for increased yields while conserving water resources.
“We are interested in increasing food exports to the EU market. Given the advanced agricultural technologies of European companies, we invite you to create joint projects for the production and processing of agricultural products. For our part, we are ready to make every effort to create a favorable environment for doing business,” he assured.(Source:astanatimes)
