By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

The Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dispatched a ‘Korea-Kazakhstan Water Industry Cooperation Delegation’ to Kazakhstan from September 1 to 5 to support the entry of domestic water industry companies into Central Asia and to strengthen cooperation in the water sector.

Kazakhstan, as a downstream country of transboundary rivers in Central Asia, relies heavily on external sources for water, with about 45% of its water resources flowing in from neighboring countries, which drives strong interest in sustainable water management technologies.

In addition, in response to aging water supply and sewage facilities, the country is actively expanding investment in water management infrastructure and introducing digital and smart water technologies, making it a nation considered to have high potential for cooperation in the water industry.

Kazakhstan has shown strong interest in Korea’s advanced water industry technologies and a willingness to cooperate. Since 2019, the two sides have continuously engaged in cooperation* through the dispatch of water industry cooperation delegations and holding consultations. In 2021, during the Kazakh president’s visit to Korea, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on water resources cooperation.

First dispatch of water industry cooperation delegation; 2020-2022: Consultations and online business meetings; 2023-present: Consecutive delegation dispatches

On September 3, the delegation held the Korea-Kazakhstan Water Industry Cooperation Seminar, institutional meetings, and a business consultation session for water companies.

These events shared the current status and key technologies of the water industry in both countries, introduce support systems for overseas expansion of water companies, and facilitate one-on-one consultations between companies by sector.

At the cooperation seminar, the governments and related institutions of both countries shared key water management policies and cooperative projects, while domestic water companies presented their advanced technologies.

This was followed by meetings with major Kazakh government ministries and related organizations to discuss upcoming projects and explore potential areas of cooperation.