[{"bbox": [96, 178, 1135, 367], "category": "Text", "text": "The objective of the first area, **Sustainable Economic Growth**, is to promote a more diverse, green and circular economy, support a transition from coal to green alternatives, and support electricity market integration, through investments and support to a green, more digital and more inclusive private sector. In terms of the focus of specific interventions, the Cooperation Facility will be guided by the provisions of the EPCA and EU commitments to cooperate or provide support laid down therein. Particularly, it will focus on trade, sustainable economic growth (including in the area of critical raw materials), development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, climate change mitigation and adaptation, environment protection."}, {"bbox": [96, 390, 1135, 630], "category": "Text", "text": "The objective of the second area, **Rule of Law**, is to support the strengthening of the legal framework and institutions in place to ensure the respect of human rights, including labour rights, and justice for all. Similar to the first priority area, the focus of specific interventions under the Cooperation Facility will be guided by EPCA commitments. In particular it will support the strengthening of the legal framework, institutions, and systems in place to ensure justice for all and the respect of human rights, with focus on enhancing the capacities of the Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan and, possibly, of the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsperson) Institute. Fight against corruption will also be supported under this component. The programme will support as well ongoing constitutional reforms for the transfer of management responsibilities on local affairs to local authorities of middle and small size cities and of villages."}, {"bbox": [96, 655, 1135, 840], "category": "Text", "text": "The Cooperation Facility will implement work on these two priorities through three specific objectives: Specific Objective 1: Increased cooperation and trade between the EU and Kazakhstan in key economic and business sectors, such as critical raw materials and the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, Specific Objective 2: Increased green and climate-smart standards of the Kazakh economy in line with its international and domestic obligations on climate change, energy and environmental protection and Specific Objective 3: Improved legal and institutional framework that guides equal access to justice and human rights protection, including the subnational and local levels."}, {"bbox": [96, 868, 1135, 1026], "category": "Text", "text": "This multisector action will contribute directly to SDG 17 Partnership for the Goals, as well as (5) gender equality, (7) clean energy, (8) decent work and economic growth, (9) industry, innovation and infrastructure, (11) sustainable cities and communities, (12) sustainable consumption and production, (13) climate action, (15) life on land, and (16) peace justice and strong institutions. It will also support general Environment Protection, trade policies and regulations and government and CSO's efforts for better governance. A gender responsive approach will be mainstreamed in all areas of work."}, {"bbox": [96, 1053, 1135, 1135], "category": "Text", "text": "CSOs will continue to play their role as partners of the Government and the EU through their monitoring of and support to the implementation of Kazakhstan's international and constitutional commitments. This will include promotion of continued engagement with the social partners."}, {"bbox": [96, 1159, 1135, 1214], "category": "Text", "text": "The Cooperation Facility will apply several tools, initiatives and activities to achieve its objective. The facility will also support enhanced strategic communication efforts of the EU in Kazakhstan in key areas of its partnership."}, {"bbox": [85, 1268, 324, 1301], "category": "Section-header", "text": "# 2 RATIONALE"}, {"bbox": [85, 1330, 236, 1359], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## 2.1 Context"}, {"bbox": [96, 1374, 1135, 1561], "category": "Text", "text": "Kazakhstan is the 9th largest country in the world, an economic leader in Central Asia and a dynamic partner to the European Union for over 30 years. The EU is main trading partner and biggest investor in Kazakhstan. Our relations are based on the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), first of its kind in Central Asia, fully in force since 2020. However, due to its geography and history, Kazakhstan remains closely linked to Russia through the Eurasian Economic Union, the Community of Independent States (CIS) and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), while also deepening its economic and political relations with its other big neighbour China."}, {"bbox": [96, 1586, 1135, 1640], "category": "Text", "text": "After the tragic January 2022 events, and particularly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kazakhstan is seeking to rebalance its foreign policy, diversify its economy and intensify its multi-vector relations with other partners,"}, {"bbox": [1034, 1680, 1141, 1706], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 4 of 21"}]