The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is holding a forum in Astana to discuss the opportunities and challenges of implementing public-private partnerships (PPP) in infrastructure, as part of IFC efforts to help improve infrastructure in Kazakhstan.

The event, jointly organized with the National Academy of Public Sector Management, will demonstrate best practice PPPs from around the world in the airport, road and power sectors. Each will be presented by the private investors, financiers, consultants and government representatives involved, and highlight opportunities that Kazakhstan can offer to the private sector.

Bolatbek Abdrassilov, Rector of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, commented:

"Kazakhstan is continually improving the legal and institutional mechanism of its PPPs, so learning about the successful implementation of global PPP projects is very important for us. We hope that participants will benefit from the discussions, debates and talks with both domestic and international experts,"

According to the Kazakhstan Centre for PPP data, demand for infrastructure financing in Kazakhstan will reach US$243 billion by 2040, while current needs total US$32 billion. By 2023, the share of investment in PPPs could reach 10 percent of total investments, with the transport, energy, city infrastructure, water, and health sectors offering particularly great potential.

Moazzam Mekan, IFC Regional Manager for Central Asia, stated:

"IFC is committed to helping Kazakhstan address its immediate infrastructure needs, as part of our strategy to boost its economic diversification and growth. We look forward to expanding our assistance to the Kazakh government in developing and financing sustainable PPPs, building on our experience across numerous sectors and regions,"

IFC has been providing advice to national and municipal governments on designing and implementing PPPs for over 25 years. Since fiscal year 2004, the IFC has signed over 200 projects in 76 countries, including many of the world's poorest countries. In FY14 alone, IFC had an active portfolio of 80 PPP projects in 45 countries.