ADB President Outlines Major Boost in Support for Kyrgyzstan: Connectivity, Clean Energy, Digital Growth

Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda has held a briefing with leading Kyrgyz media in Bishkek, unveiling an ambitious vision for expanding the bank’s support across infrastructure, energy, digital transformation and inclusive regional development.

Responding to a question on ADB’s role in large transport and logistics projects, Kanda highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s strong leadership in CAREC and the bank’s commitment to ensuring that growth reaches every corner of the country, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

"First of all, I would like to congratulate Kyrgyzstan on its successful chairmanship of CAREC… By 2030, we plan to invest $10 billion in CAREC transport corridors, including $4 billion in CAREC-2… We aim to ensure that the impact reaches small towns, rural areas, and remote regions," he said.

On energy, Kanda reaffirmed ADB’s support for the strategic hydropower project Kambar-Ata-1.

"ADB is a leading partner for Kyrgyzstan in large-scale infrastructure initiatives, including hydropower. We plan to provide $300 million in stages… We see significant potential for Kyrgyzstan in renewable energy - from hydropower to innovative technologies such as floating solar panels," he emphasized.

Kanda also praised Bishkek’s electric bus project after seeing the depot in operation.

"Electric buses are clean, quiet and easy to operate… these buses significantly reduce emissions… make public transport accessible… and balance environmental goals with social inclusivity," he noted, adding that similar projects could be scaled nationwide.

Digital transformation is another major priority.

"To strengthen our support, we have created a dedicated office focused solely on digital technologies… Digitalization expands markets, reduces costs and accelerates the flow of goods and capital… Today is a particularly important day: we signed the Bishkek Declaration under the CAREC Digital Corridor initiative," he said.

Looking ahead, Kanda pointed to Kyrgyzstan’s improving macroeconomic performance as a catalyst for even greater cooperation.

"In 2025-2027, ADB plans to allocate $700 million to Kyrgyzstan… We have identified three key areas of support: boosting private investment, large-scale infrastructure projects, and strengthening resilience to climate threats," he concluded.

Founded in 1966 and owned by 69 members, ADB remains one of the region’s leading development partners, working to drive resilient, sustainable and inclusive growth across Asia and the Pacific.