Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 27 January 2025, a roundtable was held in Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, dedicated to the further development of the Kambar-Ata 1 Hydropower Plant (HPP) construction project in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The event was attended by Jorabek Mirzamakhmudov, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Taalaibek Ibraev, Minister of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sungat Yesimkhanov, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as Tatiana Proskuryakova, Regional Director of the World Bank for Central Asia.

Also present were representatives from the World Bank, including Karolina Sanchez-Paramo, Director for Strategy and Operations in Europe and Central Asia, and Charles Cormier, Regional Director for Infrastructure in the same region.

The main topic of discussion was the joint development of the strategic Kambar-Ata 1 HPP project, which is being implemented with the efforts of the three countries. The project plays a key role in ensuring regional energy security and the sustainable use of water resources in Central Asia.

Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy Jorabek Mirzamakhmudov welcomed the participants and emphasized Uzbekistan’s readiness to provide comprehensive support for the project’s implementation.

"We are pleased to welcome the participants of the trilateral cooperation for the construction of Kambar-Ata 1 HPP here in Tashkent. This project will bring significant benefits to the entire region, strengthen energy security, accelerate the transition to a ‘green’ economy, and ensure efficient use of water resources," he said.

Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Energy Taalaibek Ibraev highlighted the significant interest the Kambar-Ata 1 HPP has attracted from international financial institutions and development partners. "This project is of great importance for Kyrgyzstan, as it contributes to strengthening regional cooperation and the long-term development of Central Asia. Today’s roundtable in Tashkent continues a series of meetings previously held in Vienna, Brussels, and Washington in 2024, facilitating coordination and speeding up the project’s implementation," he emphasized.

Sungat Yesimkhanov, Deputy Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan, pointed to the political will of the three countries and their readiness to work together. "Today’s meeting reaffirms the strengthening of cooperation in the water-energy sector. The implementation of the Kambar-Ata 1 HPP project will be a guarantee of long-term stability and will contribute to socio-economic development in the region," he noted.

The governments of the three countries have requested the World Bank’s assistance in preparing and financing the project. As part of the provided technical support, work is underway to develop the technical and economic justification, including the evaluation of technical, economic, financial, environmental, and social aspects of the project.

Tatiana Proskuryakova, Regional Director of the World Bank for Central Asia, stated: "The World Bank is happy to support the efforts of the three countries to ensure a stable energy future for the region, accelerate its economic growth, and improve the quality of life for citizens. We will continue to provide technical support and engage international partners for the realization of this important project."

During the roundtable, the parties agreed on the key principles for the joint implementation of the project, approved the main stages, and outlined its execution structure. Participants emphasized the need for regular meetings at the ministerial level, involving international donors for coordinating efforts and ensuring steady progress.