TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 27. Energy ministers from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, along with representatives from the World Bank (WB), discussed the implementation of the Kambarata HPP-1 (Hydroelectric Power Plant) construction project, Trend reports.
A roundtable meeting was held with participation from Uzbekistan's Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamahmudov, Kyrgyzstan's Energy Minister Talaibek Ibraev, and Kazakhstan's Deputy Energy Minister Sungat Yesimkhanov, as well as the World Bank's Regional Director for Central Asia, Tatiana Proskuryakova, in Tashkent.
Also taking part in the event were Carolina Sanchez-Paramo, Director of Strategy and Operations for Europe and Central Asia at the World Bank, and Charles Cormier, Regional Director for Infrastructure for the Europe and Central Asia region.
“We are pleased to host the participants of the Kambarata HPP-1 project in Tashkent for this trilateral meeting. We are confident that this project will bring significant benefits to all Central Asian countries, strengthening regional energy security, accelerating the transition to a green economy, and improving the use of water resources,” Jurabek Mirzamahmudov said.
Kyrgyzstan’s Energy Minister Talaibek Ibraev emphasized that the Kambarata HPP-1 project had generated substantial interest from international financial institutions and development partners.
“In Kyrgyzstan, we call the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1 the ‘project of the century’ due to its immense potential for strengthening regional cooperation and promoting long-term development in the entire Central Asian region. Today’s roundtable in Tashkent continues a series of meetings held in Vienna, Brussels, and Washington in 2024. These events help coordinate and accelerate the implementation of the project, as well as attract the necessary international support,” Talaibek Ibraev said.
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Energy Minister Sungat Yesimkhanov underlined that the roundtable served as further proof of the strengthening regional cooperation in the water-energy sector. He added that this partnership will not only ensure the successful realization of the Kambarata HPP-1 project but also lay the foundation for long-term regional stability 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 secure a stable energy future for the region, accelerate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for their citizens. We will continue to provide technical assistance in the implementation of the Kambarata HPP-1 project. Together with other international development partners, we are working to secure the necessary financing to bring this project to life,” Tatiana Proskuryakova said.
Moreover, the parties reached agreements on key principles for the joint development and implementation of the Kambarata HPP-1 construction project at the meeting. The main stages of the project were defined, and the project implementation structure was approved. The parties also emphasized the importance of regular meetings at the ministerial level, involving international donors, to ensure coordination, cooperation, and steady progress in the project’s implementation.