EBRD Funds Boost Connectivity in Central Asia and Beyond

Vice President for Banking Operations at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Matteo Patrone has said that EBRD so far invested more than six billion euros across Central Asia, Türkiye, and the Caucasus, boosting regional connectivity.

Patrone made these remarks at the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and Connectivity Investment Forum held in Tashkent, The Caspian Post reports via local media.

He stressed that the region needs to shift from isolated initiatives to broader structural reforms, and from financing individual assets to adopting more integrated, interconnected solutions and highlighted the challenges ahead.

“However, the challenge remains significant,” he emphasized. “Countries in the region still rely heavily on state funding, while private-sector participation remains limited. Moving forward will require combining the resources of international financial institutions and commercial financing with guarantees, grants, and political risk-mitigation tools. This approach will help reduce investment risks and attract private capital. Closer technical cooperation, capacity building, and strong public-private partnership projects are also essential. Most importantly, the region needs coordinated action supported by harmonized legal and institutional frameworks.”

Huseyin Ozhan, EBRD Managing Director for Central Asia and Mongolia, stated that over the past two years, the bank has allocated more than 800 million euros to transport and logistics projects involving both public and private companies.

“The EBRD has built a strong project portfolio ready for further expansion,” he noted.

At the forum, the EU and EBRD also agreed to provide an additional 31 million euros to enhance sustainable transport connectivity in Central Asia. The funds will support greener and safer routes, expand cargo capacity at the Port of Aktau, and modernize a key section of the Bishkek-Kara-Balta road.

According to EBRD data, as of September 30, 2025, the bank’s current loan portfolio in Azerbaijan totals 948 million euros, of which:

89 per cent (842 million euros) goes to sustainable infrastructure

6 per cent (56 million euros) to the financial sector

5 per cent (49 million euros) to the corporate sector

Overall, the EBRD has invested 3.661 billion euros in Azerbaijan across 200 projects.