ESCAP to open sub-regional office in Almaty

Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kazykhanov made it public at a press briefing after the signing of the agreement between the Government of Kazakhstan and ESCAP on establishment of a sub-regional office (the office) of the UN Commission.

"Traditionally, when choosing the location of the office the UN develops certain criteria, among them - the geopolitical situation, economic stability and the level of development of the state and so on. I am pleased to say that Kazakhstan meets all these requirements. That's why it was decided to open the ESCAP sub-regional office in our country. The office will deal with the problems of economic and social development in Central Asia, and in other neighboring countries," Kazykhanov emphasized.

Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Noeleen Heyzer thanked the Minister for the opportunity to be present in Kazakhstan and expressed hope that "the opening of a representation of the UN Commission in Almaty will expand world views and, of course, promote a new approach to global problems in the region."

"This office will work in several directions: to save and conserve water and energy resources; to facilitate more acceptable trade between Kazakhstan and neighboring countries. For example, we can assist in visa issuing procedures or at least address this issue in detail, as well as address the problem of migration and logistics," Mrs. Heyzer noted.