Strategic cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union (EU) covers various fields. The parties cooperate in 29 key areas identified as part of the signed Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Development of green economy is one the areas. In 2013, at the initiative of President Nazarbayev, the National Concept on Kazakhstan’s Transition to a Green Economy Model was adopted. The EU allocated over seven million Euros for the support of the idea. The United Nations is involved in the implementation of the concept. The project began three years ago and will be completed this fall. It is divided into several parts and covers four pilot projects, 14 grant allocations and the support for three startups.

GULZHAMAL ISSAYEVA, UNDP PROJECT MANAGER:
- There are two reservoirs in Aktobe and Kargaly. We have developed a business model for the Kargaly reservoir, including the installation of a small water power plant that will generate green energy. We suggest developing businesses there such as a recreational area, a greenhouse and a pond fish farm.

Another energy efficiency project is implemented in the Akshi village of Enbekshikazakh district. Sensor taps, which significantly reduce the waste water volume, are installed at kindergartens and schools. The waste water goes through three steps of purification and is used for the automated plant watering system. Solar water heaters are also installed in the area. The second part of the project was aimed at reconstructing the drainage system, where it allows the collection of water and preventing it from reaching the surface. Outside of the Akshi village, two large water storage ponds are built, where the water will be collected. 10 greenhouses will be installed and residents will be able to grow flowers and vegetables.

GULZHAMAL ISSAYEVA, UNDP PROJECT MANAGER:
- As part of the Startup Bolashak project, we gave 50,000 euros to support grant projects: the program was estimated at 600,000 euros, and a pilot project amounted to three million euros.

In total, more than 350 projects worth 180 million euros have been implemented over the quarter of a century of cooperation between EU and Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan exports oil and gas as well as minerals, chemicals and food products to the EU while EU imports transport equipment, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and furniture.