EXPERT OPINION
and environmental challenges
across Eurasia. However, perhaps
the most important milestone was
the launch of the OECD Kazakhstan
Country Programme in January 2015.
The programme involves analysis,
capacity-building and policy dialogue
across a wider range of policy issues
than ever before. Initially envisaged
to run for two years, the Programme
has been enriching for both sides and
is being extended until the end of
2018.
(AM): OECD’s work here in
Kazakhstan is, in turn, situated in the
context of its broader engagement
with the countries of Eurasia. The
OECD member states, Eurasian
countries and the OECD Secretariat
see the programme as a vehicle for
co-operation across a wide range
of issues and for fostering stronger
ties among the Eurasian countries
themselves. It encompasses both
country-specific projects aimed
at supporting individual Eurasian
countries and regional activities
and networks (such as the ECP,
the Green Action Programme and
the Anti-Corruption Network for
Eastern Europe and Central Asia).
Increasingly, some Eurasian countries
are also beginning to adopt OECD
principles and standards to guide
policy-making, as well as to join
broader global activities, such as the
‘Base Erosion and Profit Shifting’
initiative, which brings together
over 100 countries and jurisdictions
in an effort to combat cross-border
tax avoidance.We are confident
that OECD’s work with Kazakhstan
and in the region will ultimately
contribute to better policies and thus
tomore inclusive and sustainable
development in the region.
Further details on OECD Eurasia
Week can be found at
oecd.org/eurasia-week/.