Central Asia will need to attract between $219 billion and $260 billion in investment by 2030 to meet its development goals across key sectors, according to new estimates from the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB).

Speaking at the session “Investing in Central Asia: Opportunities and Partnerships” during the EDB Annual Meeting and Business Forum in Almaty, EDB Deputy Chairman Ruslan Dalenov outlined the scale of funding required to support the region’s next phase of growth, The Caspian Post reports via Report.

According to the bank’s analysis, the largest share of investment demand will come from the energy sector, which is expected to require between $150 billion and $170 billion by the end of the decade. Transport infrastructure will need an additional $50-60 billion, while water resources projects will require $12-14 billion and logistics development around $6-7 billion.

“These figures are based on in-depth research conducted by the bank’s analytical team. This is not just a financing need-it represents a massive investment opportunity,” Dalenov said.

He noted that Central Asia is rapidly evolving beyond its traditional role as a resource-exporting region and is increasingly becoming a center for industrialization, manufacturing, technological innovation, and long-term investment.

Dalenov said that attracting capital is not only essential for economic growth but also for assisting countries to avoid the so-called “middle-income trap.” He emphasized the importance of moving up the value chain, boosting productivity, and developing industries that generate higher value-added output.

The EDB executive also pointed to growing demand for larger and more complex projects across the region, many of which require strong international partnerships and coordinated financing.