On November 30, a large number of stakeholders from government, industry, and diplomatic missions of different countries came together in Kyzylorda for an exchange about the region's future economic development within the framework of the annually held Baikonur Invest Forum. The town, which is situated on the bank of the Syr-Darya river, is internationally known for its proximity to Baiknur Cosmodrome, the world's first and largest rocket launch site.
The event consisted of a plenary session and themed working groups and highlighted the eagerness to provide the framework for investment in the region. The potential for areospace-related tourism is intended to be explored much more in the future, but the agrarian sector with irrigated agriculture along the river and livestock grazing was also a major focus. The Kazakh Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry vividly illustrated the points of intersection between both fields with a report about the employment of remote sensing technologies for the advancement of agriculture.
More than once, speakers made a reference to the awareness for sustainibility and the feeling of committment towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals when coming up with strategies for the region. To be emphasised in this context is the International Green Technologies and Investment Center (IGTIC), which dedicates itself to the establishment of strategic partnerships and the facilitation of investments according to the Green Economy Programme. Following a first exploratory meeting between CASIB and IGTIC in summer, it is planned to come together again early next year to specify future forms of cooperation.
The presentation of the funding measure CLIENT II and CASIB as a project office in the working group on land use was met with a lot of interest and created awareness for the possibility of demand-oriented project-based research among a large audience of professionals. The excursion to Baikonur Cosmodrome that was organised on the following day allowed for interesting views the natural environment, ample opportunity for further exchange, and impressive insights into a place of significant historic achievements.
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