ASTANA, September 23, 2016 – The new World Bank Director for Central Asia, Lilia Burunciuc visited Astana for an introductory meeting with the Kazakhstan Government.
During the meeting with Prime Minister, Bakytzhan Sagintayev, the Country Director emphasized the importance of ongoing institutional reforms being carried out by the country. She said Kazakhstan has made remarkable progress on the way to modernizing its economy and enhancing the well-being of its population in the last two decades. Ms. Burunciuc expressed optimism that the World Bank’s support on macroeconomic management and competitiveness development and other activities under the Partnership Framework Arrangement will contribute to job creation and foster non-oil sector growth.
The Country Director also recognized Kazakhstan’s efforts to enhance regional integration. “The World Bank welcomes Kazakhstan’s positive role in promoting cooperation across the region The country has strong potential to enhance the integration of Central Asia into world markets through new transit corridors and modern customs services that will benefit all Central Asian nations”, said Lilia Burunciuc, the World Bank Director for Central Asia.
Appointed on August 1, 2016 as the World Bank Director for Central Asia, Ms. Burunciuc will lead the policy dialogue with governments on various aspects of development. Ms. Burunciuc first joined the World Bank in 1996 and has held a number of leadership positions in different countries and regions including Central Asia. Prior to taking the current assignment, she served as the Manager in the Operations Policy and Country Services department of the World Bank in Washington, D.C.
The World Bank is the major development partner of Kazakhstan with an active portfolio including 17 projects with a net commitment of $5.8 billion. In May 2014, the World Bank and the Government of Kazakhstan embarked on a Partnership Framework Arrangement aimed to support the Government’s efforts to ensure sustainable development and inclusive growth that benefits lower-income groups. The Partnership Framework Arrangement is implemented through technical assistance and institutional capacity development projects.
