The Governor of the AIFC and the Chairman of the Management Board of EDB discussed issues regarding deepening partnership in financial and investment sphere

The Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and the Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) discussed the issues of further strengthening partnership in the financial and investment sphere and Eurasian integration. The meeting took place at the AIFC site.

Kairat Kelimbetov familiarised Nikolai Podguzov with the activities of the AIFC, the objectives of the financial centre, current results, and plans. The Governor noted that the AIFC welcomes the development of new financial instruments, including green and social bonds, for which the AIFC platform, including the Astana International Exchange, can become a convenient start.

Kelimbetov proposed the EDB to take part in the creation of a tourist hub in the city of Aktau and to consider the possibility of creating Eurasian direct investment fund. The opportunities for expanding investment activities within Kazakhstan and other countries of EAEU were also discussed.

Nikolai Podguzov noted that the EDB and the AIFC are conducting several joint projects. He emphasised that this summer the EDB became a co-shareholder of the AIFC subsidiary organisation – the Green Finance Centre. Thus, the Bank intends to actively introduce green and social financing instruments in the Eurasian region through the Green Finance Centre.

In addition, according to N. Podguzov, the EDB will seek to further strengthen its status as an internationally recognised organisation with high standards of services for the governments of the countries served by the Bank. Moreover, the EDB will enhance the analytical platform that both governments and organisations of the EAEU countries can use.

During the meeting, the parties also shared their views on the post-crisis economic recovery measures, on the introduction of digital technologies, and on the opportunities for the joint development of the capital market.

Reference:

The Astana International Financial Centra was created by the initiative of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Leader of the Nation, Nur-Sultan Nazarbayev as part of the “100 steps to implement five institutional reforms” national program. The Centre’s development strategy until 2025 was approved by the Management council of the AIFC during the council’s meeting on July 2, 2020. In accordance with the strategy, the vision of AIFC is in becoming the leading financial centre in the region that includes Central Asia, the Caucasus, EAEU countries, western China, Mongolia, and Eastern Europe.

The mission of the AIFC is in assisting the sustainable and long term development of the region. As the head of state Tokayev noted, “AIFC, with its unique opportunities, can act as a universal platform that connects the countries in the region.”

The strategic directions for the sustainable development of the AIFC include the development of a circular economy, financial technologies, and “digital financial centre.” https://aifc.kz/