Road projects in Kazakhstan are governed by FIDIC principles

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In a recent speech at an expanded government meeting, Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan needs to implement the international FIDIC principles in the road industry. “This system will make it possible to effectively manage the road industry, rationally use budgetary funds and reduce the risk of corruption at all levels,” the President said.

By the way, for specialists involved in the implementation of international projects, employees of international banks and lawyers, the concept of FIDIC is a tool of everyday work. But it is worth recognizing that in the broadest sense, the abbreviation FIDIC is still not clear.

In this regard, we talked with the project manager of Balkhash-Burylbaital road section, Mr. Pak Chun Sun. According to him, contracts within the framework of FIDIC are used when financing a project by an international financial institution. For example, the World, Asian or European Bank.

“FIDIC details the relationship of the parties under the contracts. It clearly states what to do in case of a complaint. The fair distribution of risks and rewards is spelled out in detail, each point is taken into account,” said Pak Chun Sun.

It should be noted that the International Federation of Consulting Engineers or FIDIC for short was founded in 1913. Today, the global body represents more than a million engineering professionals and some 40,000 firms in over 100 countries.

Mr. Park also shared international experience: “In Korea, the Association of Consulting Engineers prepares special educational programs on FIDIC. Usually, engineering companies-employers pay for the training of specialists. The program lasts for three weeks, after which certificates and diplomas are issued. But since changes and additions are made to FIDIC, it is necessary to learn constantly.”

To date, a number of road projects are being implemented in Kazakhstan under FIDIC contracts. Among them are “Balkhash - Burylbaital - Kurty – Kapshagai”, “Kandyagash – Makat” and “Atyrau - Astrakhan - the border of the Russian Federation”.

At the same time, the Committee for Roads of the MIID RK is working on the introduction of international standards in all road projects. At the moment, a project team has been created with representatives of the MoF and the MNE. The working group is to develop proposals for amending the current budget legislation.