EBRD Commits to Greening Economies, Dealing with Toxic Uranium Legacy in Central Asia

The European Bank for Development and Reconstruction has revised its outlook for economies in Central Asia. The region is expected to grow by 4.5 percent in 2021 and 2022, reflecting higher commodity prices, which benefit commodity exporters like Kazakhstan, as well as recovering remittances. As countries are emerging from the global pandemic with economies that are recovering, focused and targeted support is needed for the sectors that have been badly hurt. What are some of the sectors that require immediate support in Kazakhstan? Why did the EBRD lend $50 million to Air Astana? How can Central Asia deal with its toxic uranium legacy? Zsuzsanna Hargitai, the new Managing Director for Central Asia at EBRD met with Lyazzat Shatayeva to discuss ways of promoting recovery, economic inclusion and stability in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.