Israel's Mekorot National Water Company has signed an MOU with the government of Kazakhstan for a program to develop the country's water resources. Geographic constraints are causing a water shortage in Kazakhstan. The signing ceremony was held three weeks ago in Kazakhstan in the presence of the Kazakhstan prime minister and Mekorot CEO Shimon Ben Hamo.
The program will cost an estimated $20 billion by 2020, and will initially focus on three areas: the establishment of a water studies center in order to train a new generation of water professionals in Kazahkstan, advice concerning the founding of a national water company for Kazakhstan on the Mekorot model that will correspond to Kazakhstan's needs, and implementation of pioneering water projects for developing Kazakhstan's water system and improving water supplies to its people.
Ben Hamo said, "As part of the Mekorot group's international business, Mekorot will assist the Kazakhstan government in developing the local water system and establishing a national water company for the republic." Minister of National Infrastructures Silvan Shalom said, "Israel is helping to solve the global water crisis."
The Kazakhstan Republic is faced with a shortage of water resources caused by the geographic conditions and various constraints. Cooperation with Mekorot is part of a series of cooperative activities by Mekorot with various countries around the world, including Azerbaijan, Cyprus, and Mexico.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on August 27, 2014
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