On July 3–4, 2025, the IX Eurasian Business Forum “GREEN ENERGY & WASTE RECYCLING” took place at the Astana International Financial Centre. The event brought together heads of relevant government bodies, development institutions, members of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, leading environmental experts, representatives of NGOs, the scientific and expert community, and business leaders.
The forum focused on modern technologies for addressing urgent environmental issues, new approaches to industrial and municipal waste processing, and financial support for digital solutions in the implementation of effective MSW (municipal solid waste) disposal projects.
One of the key segments of the forum was a presentation on Industrial Development Fund JSC. Asylkhan Zikenov, Head of the Regional Project Directorate of the Fund, provided detailed information on the institution's efforts to support projects aimed at preserving and enhancing environmental balance and promoting the rational and effective management of municipal solid waste.
In 2024–2025, the Industrial Development Fund financed 11 major projects totaling over KZT 51 billion to expand waste processing capacity.
In addition, another 11 projects amounting to more than KZT 26 billion have been approved for financing. These initiatives aim to develop waste processing infrastructure.
Furthermore, 15 projects totaling over KZT 80 billion are currently undergoing comprehensive evaluation and preparation for approval. The implementation of these projects is expected to contribute to the development of an integrated waste management infrastructure, increase the share of waste recycling, enhance regional industrial capacity, and create new jobs.
Potential projects worth more than KZT 130 billion are also at the preparatory stage.
Asylkhan Zikenov emphasized the high level of interest among domestic enterprises in waste recycling and in the financial support tools offered. In this regard, despite the program being planned until the end of 2026, the financing limit may be exhausted as early as this year. He also noted the insufficient quality of documentation submitted by borrowers for the Fund’s review and provided recommendations for its preparation in accordance with established standards.
It should be recalled that since 2024, as part of the Concept for the Transition of the Republic of Kazakhstan to a Green Economy, Industrial Development Fund JSC, in cooperation with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan and JSC "Zhasyl Damu", has been implementing a support program for enterprises engaged in the sorting, processing, and disposal of municipal solid waste. This program is aimed at strengthening environmental balance.
It is worth noting that the environmental ESG agenda is one of the fundamental priorities guiding the daily operations of Industrial Development Fund JSC. This is evidenced by the ESG rating of “2” with an overall score of 63 assigned to the Fund in 2024 by the international rating agency Sustainable Fitch. This high rating reflects the Fund’s progressive environmental and social policies.
