Global growth was projected to slow from an estimated 6.1 percent in 2021 to 3.6 percent in 2022 and 2023 due to the war in Ukraine. This is 0.8 and 0.2 percentage points lower for 2022 and 2023 than projected in January.

Kazakhstan’s economy first returned to growth in the first half of 2021 after months of contraction.

Natural gas production rose by 8.2 percent on annual basis to 15 billion cubic metres (bcm) in January-March this year.

Former Soviet countries are seeking ways to redirect their export and transit cargo bypassing Russia amid its aggression against Ukraine.