Bishkek (TDI): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged more than $10 billion by 2030 to support projects under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program.
The announcement was made by ADB President, Masato Kanda, during the CAREC Business Forum held in Bishkek from 19–20 November 2025.
In his keynote address, Kanda outlined ADB’s long-term vision for the region. He said that ADB envisions a CAREC area that is economically resilient, environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and digitally connected.
A significant portion of the announced funding will go into infrastructure and connectivity, especially along CAREC Corridor II, where ADB plans to mobilize around $4 billion between 2025 and 2028 for 18 priority trade, transport, and logistics projects across seven CAREC countries.
In the energy sector, ADB is also investing more than $800 million to advance major hydropower initiatives, including the Rogun project in Tajikistan and Kambarata-1 in Kyrgyzstan.
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Feasibility studies are underway for the Caspian Green Energy Corridor, which could eventually channel clean power from Central Asia to markets in Europe.
Beyond physical infrastructure, ADB’s commitment extends to disaster resilience and climate adaptation. The bank recently approved a $56 million grant for Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, combining contingent disaster financing with a disaster-relief bond that transfers natural-risk exposure to capital markets.
Under the broader “Glaciers to Farms” initiative, supported by the Green Climate Fund, ADB aims to mobilize about $3.5 billion over the next decade to improve irrigation, water storage, and watershed management.
Digital transformation is another of ADB’s priorities for the CAREC program. A flagship initiative, the CAREC Digital Corridor, is expected to provide cross-border fiber-optic infrastructure that will enhance regional connectivity.
ADB is also expanding support for innovation and private-sector development through its Innovation and Venture Investment Facility, while the BUILD facility (Borders Upgrades for Integration, Logistics, and Development) will modernize customs procedures and logistics systems.
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The CAREC Business Forum concluded with the endorsement of the Bishkek Declaration, which launches negotiations on trade and investment facilitation to reduce barriers, increase investment flows, and strengthen cooperation in areas such as green energy and digital commerce.
On the sidelines of the event, ADB reaffirmed its support for Kyrgyzstan, with plans to allocate $700 million between 2025 and 2027 for governance reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and climate-resilience efforts.
The bank will also move ahead with the Almaty-Bishkek Economic Corridor Border Services Project to streamline border procedures and improve trade flows.
Since CAREC’s launch in 2001, the program has mobilized roughly $54 billion in investment, with ADB contributing a significant share.
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