DFC CEO Ben Black Highlights Strategic Advantage of U.S. Aligned Telecommunications Infrastructure in Kazakhstan

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) CEO Ben Black spoke during a signing ceremony with Power International Holding, the parent company of Tele2, one of Kazakhstan's largest telecommunications companies. The ceremony recognized the signing of a letter of interest and financing proposal to upgrade and transition major telecommunications infrastructure in the country, opening the market to trusted vendors.

Selected remarks:

"I'd like to begin by acknowledging the many business leaders and government officials, who so warmly welcomed me here on my first visit to Kazakhstan.

"Kazakhstan is truly a remarkable country. Over the past two days, I've had the opportunity to spend time in both Astana and Almaty. I came away impressed by the country's financial strength and by the ambition and expertise of the officials and business leaders who are helping transform Kazakhstan into one of the world's most dynamic economies.

"At DFC, we want to see Kazakhstan continuing to attract investment, talent, and world class businesses. And we are committed to supporting the commercial and telecom infrastructure that serves as the foundation for its continued economic success. 


"That is why today's announcement is so important. It shows the United States who we can trust as a preferred partner. Together we can build the digital infrastructure for next generation technology and AI. 


"Today, we are celebrating the next step in the DFC's partnership with Power International Holding, which is the owner of Tele2, one of Kazakhstan's largest telecommunications companies.

"We want to work with PIH to modernize and transform Kazakhstan's telecommunication infrastructure, expand access to trusted U.S. aligned service providers, and support more secure and reliable digital networks across the country. 


"Secure telecommunication networks are an essential prerequisite for attracting global investors and best-in-class businesses. When intellectual property and sensitive information are protected by strong cybersecurity safeguards, businesses and investors can operate with confidence.

"They have the assurance they need to commit capital for the long term and support lasting economic growth. 
We know that it is not always easy or costless to prioritize long term supply chain resilience and security. That is why my agency, the United States International Development Finance Corporation, or DFC, exists.

"As the international investment arm of the United States government, our mission is to mobilize private capital to advance U.S. strategic interests and move the needle for the economic development of our allies and partners. 


"Today's announcement demonstrates how DFC and robust U.S. government financing can support Kazakhstan's growing demand for digital connectivity, including 5G, mobile data services, e-commerce, digital payments, and other modern digital services.

"I want to thank PIH again for your support in this effort and your commitment to strong governance and digital network security. Our shared principles provide a strong foundation for the success of this project, and we are proud to work alongside you. 


"This has been my first trip to Kazakhstan and could not have been a better trip. I promise it is the first of many visits. I look forward to continuing to invest in the infrastructure that will help support Kazakhstan's continued growth and reinforce its role as a leading economic force in Central Asia.
Thank you."

These remarks have been lightly edited for clarity.

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The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is the international investment arm of the United States Government and central to U.S. economic statecraft. DFC mobilizes private capital to advance U.S. foreign policy and economic development. Our investments deliver strong returns for American taxpayers, drive meaningful economic development for our allies and partners, and secure supply chains to counter and outcompete our adversaries.