The Energy Ministers of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, along with representatives from the World Bank, discussed the implementation of the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant (HPP) construction project.
A roundtable was held in Tashkent, attended by Uzbekistan's Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Kyrgyzstan's Energy Minister Talaibek Ibraev, Kazakhstan's Deputy Energy Minister Sungat Yesimkhanov, and World Bank Regional Director for Central Asia Tatyana Proskuryakova, Trend news agency reports.
The event also included Caroline Sanchez-Paramo, Director for Strategy and Operations in the Europe and Central Asia Region at the World Bank, and Charles Cormier, Regional Infrastructure Director for Europe and Central Asia.
"We are pleased to host participants of the Kambarata-1 HPP construction project in Tashkent as part of this trilateral meeting. We are confident that this project will bring significant benefits to all Central Asian countries by enhancing regional energy security, accelerating the transition to a 'green' economy, and improving water resource management," stated Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov.
Kyrgyzstan's Energy Minister Talaibek Ibraev emphasized that the Kambarata-1 HPP project has attracted significant interest from international financial institutions and development partners.
"In Kyrgyzstan, we refer to the construction of Kambarata-1 HPP as the 'project of the century,' given its enormous potential to strengthen regional cooperation and foster long-term development throughout Central Asia. Today's roundtable in Tashkent continues a series of meetings held in Vienna, Brussels, and Washington in 2024. These events contribute to coordination and acceleration of the project’s implementation and the mobilization of necessary international support," noted Talaibek Ibraev.
Kazakhstan's Deputy Energy Minister Sungat Yesimkhanov highlighted that the roundtable further confirms the strengthening of regional cooperation in the water-energy sector. This partnership will not only ensure the successful implementation of the Kambarata-1 HPP construction project but will also lay the foundation for long-term stability in the region and stimulate further socio-economic growth in the countries.
"The World Bank is pleased to support the governments of the three countries in their efforts to ensure the region's stable energy future, accelerate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for their citizens. We will continue to provide technical assistance in implementing the Kambarata-1 HPP construction project. Along with other international development partners, we are working to attract the financing needed to bring this project to life," said Tatyana Proskuryakova.
During the meeting, the parties reached an agreement on key principles for jointly developing and implementing the Kambarata-1 HPP construction project. They identified main stages and approved the project's implementation framework. The parties also stressed the importance of regular meetings at the ministerial level and with the participation of international donors to ensure coordination, cooperation, and steady progress in the project's implementation.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
January 28, 2025