A meeting with the delegation of the Republic of Austria was held at the Development Bank of Kazakhstan (a subsidiary of Baiterek Holding, hereinafter – DBK, or the Bank), where the parties discussed potential avenues for cooperation in export financing and the implementation of infrastructure projects.
The meeting was chaired by Mr Peter Haubner, Second President of the National Council of Austria. The delegation also included Her Excellency Andrea Bacher, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Austria to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, representatives of leading Austrian financial institutions – Österreichische Kontrollbank (OeKB) and Erste Group Bank – as well as senior executives of industrial and technological companies, including Othis Technology GmbH, Primetals Technologies Austria, and the Austrian Railway Industry Association.
The parties considered options for strengthening collaboration in financing projects within the manufacturing sector that generate significant socio-economic benefits, including initiatives with import substitution potential and export growth. Particular attention was paid to developing mechanisms for supporting the export of Austrian goods and services to Kazakhstan, as well as the creation of joint instruments for financing new projects. The discussion also covered possible cooperation in projects of the Middle Corridor, which remains a strategic priority for both sides.
During the meeting, Ms Botagoz Abisheva, Deputy Chair of the Management Board of the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, highlighted the strategic significance of cooperation with Austrian financial institutions.
“We view today’s meeting as an important opportunity to expand dialogue, align our approaches and define areas for practical interaction. DBK sees considerable potential in developing joint cooperation opportunities, including raising funding from Austria and the participation of Austrian institutions in syndicated transactions together with the Bank,” Ms Abisheva noted.
An important part of the discussions concerned the Bank’s plans to expand its presence on international debt capital markets, including on the Vienna Stock Exchange (Wiener Börse). Since 2022, the Bank has successfully placed nine Eurobond issues totalling over USD 2.3 billion and KZT 420 billion, including the region’s debut sustainable Eurobonds, thus strengthening DBK’s financial resilience and brand recognition.
A Memorandum of Understanding on export financing for up to EUR 250 million is in place between the Export Credit Agency of Austria (OeKB), which supports Austrian exports and international projects, and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan. The Bank considers this facility a potential instrument for expanding cooperation between its clients and Austrian suppliers of equipment and technologies.
“We highly value the contribution of Austrian industrial companies and see great potential for expanding cooperation, including through the Austrian Shopping Line programme aimed at promoting collaboration between Austrian and Kazakhstani businesses,” Ms Abisheva added.
Under the updated long-term strategy of Baiterek Holding for 2024–2033, the Bank will play a key role in financing large export-oriented projects in the manufacturing sector. In this context, maintaining ties with European partners and participating in initiatives such as Global Gateway becomes an important element in ensuring access to international financial resources, advanced technologies and expertise, as well as enhancing the export potential of Kazakhstani companies. Such cooperation will accelerate the implementation of strategic projects and strengthen the Bank’s position in international markets.
In conclusion, representatives of the Austrian delegation and DBK expressed confidence that the meeting would lay the groundwork for concrete steps towards the implementation of mutually beneficial projects and the strengthening of economic partnership between Kazakhstan and Austria.
