Russian engineers have begun work on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant as Moscow pushes to maintain its influence in Central Asia, where China and Europe are vying for a foothold in the resource-rich region.

The construction of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant (NPP) has begun on Friday, said Russia's Rosatom corporation, which was selected as the main contractor. Engineering surveys started near the village of Ulken to select an optimal site and prepare project documentation for building a nuclear power station, Rosatom said in a statement.