Kazakhstan is strengthening its participation in the international sustainable finance agenda.
A meeting of experts from the Export Credits and Guarantees Working Group of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) took place in Madrid. The group brings together leading export credit agencies and government export support institutions.
The OECD acts as a global institution that sets standards and unified rules for the international community, including issues related to export support and the development of sustainable finance. For Kazakhstan, participation in the Working Group’s activities allows the country to implement best international practices, understand the evolution of approaches, and adapt them to national realities, creating a foundation for the long-term growth of Kazakhstani businesses.
“ESG has long ceased to be just a theory. Today, organizations operate according to these standards, make investment decisions, and develop corporate responsibility policies. Financial institutions involved in international financing and foreign investments follow unified rules developed within OECD platforms. By participating in such a practical session, we gain a deeper understanding of the decision-making logic of our partners. Adhering to these principles turns ESG from an obligation into a tool for growth and a competitive advantage in the global market. Sustainable development is capital that creates long-term value and competitiveness,” said Ayan Bektibayeva, Deputy Chair of the Board of JSC “Export Credit Agency of Kazakhstan.”
According to her, key institutional investors follow well-defined criteria when selecting partners and countries for capital placement:
• clear requirements are set for carbon footprint management systems;
• the presence and implementation of ESG policies in corporate practice are verified;
• the impact of projects on local populations is analyzed;
• priority is given to process transparency and operational sustainability.
During the session, Ayan Bektibayeva held a bilateral meeting with a representative of the NZECA (Net Zero Export Credit Agencies Alliance) Secretariat — an international association of export credit agencies supporting the global transition to a low-carbon economy. The Alliance includes leading ECAs from Europe, North America, and Asia, which develop coordinated approaches for project evaluation and investment support for companies amid the energy transition.
As an active exporter of hydrocarbons, Kazakhstan participates in NZECA to convey the position of countries gradually diversifying their economies and to help establish balanced rules for the transition period. Such dialogue allows for consideration of national specifics and minimizes the risks of a sharp reduction in international support for sectors not classified as “green” under the European taxonomy.
Furthermore, participation in NZECA provides access to information about international financial institutions and investors willing to finance technological modernization and the implementation of energy-efficient solutions in Kazakhstan’s export-oriented sectors.
