The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $1 billion assistance package to help the Government of Kazakhstan mitigate the health, social, and economic impacts of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“ADB is fully committed to supporting Kazakhstan through this challenging period,” said ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa. “ADB is a key development partner to Kazakhstan and this package will help to mitigate the spread of the disease and support government measures to contain the negative impact of the pandemic. ADB will work with Kazakhstan’s authorities towards the introduction of key structural reforms going forward, including to improve public sector management, governance and institutions, provide access to finance for small businesses, support green finance, and boost agricultural productivity