New ADB Strategy for Kyrgyz Republic to Focus on Inclusive, Resilient, and Private Sector-led Growth

BISHKEK — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a new 5-year country partnership strategy (CPS) for the Kyrgyz Republic to support the country’s development priorities by fostering inclusive, resilient, and private sector-led growth.

During 2023–2027, ADB operations in the Kyrgyz Republic will focus on three strategic priorities—enhancing economic opportunities for all; building resilience to climate change and disasters; and strengthening governance and private sector development. The bank will prioritize interventions in the transport, energy, agriculture, and public sectors. The strategy is aligned with the Kyrgyz Republic’s National Development Program to 2026 and the National Development Strategy 2018–2040.

“Our new partnership strategy with the Kyrgyz Republic aims to expand access to reliable services and improve the business environment to help create economic opportunities for all – including the poor and vulnerable,” said ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Yevgeniy Zhukov. “As Asia and the Pacific’s climate bank, we are also committed to helping the country strengthen its resilience against climate impacts to boost food security and minimize losses from extreme weather events.”

Land-locked Kyrgyz Republic faces uncertain prospects in terms of short- and medium-term economic development. Poverty has increased sharply since COVID-19 impacted the health of the Kyrgyz people and the nation’s economy. This has been compounded by soaring food and energy prices and other external shocks.

Under the new CPS, ADB will support measures to improve access to reliable and sustainable energy, transport and urban development, and education and health services. The bank will support the government’s priorities in addressing climate and disaster risks. ADB will also support ongoing reforms to strengthen governance, public sector policy, and institutions.

ADB will continue promoting gender equality in its operations and invest in targeted activities to promote women’s economic empowerment through knowledge solutions and projects. Regional cooperation and integration initiatives under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program remain a key part of ADB operations in the Kyrgyz Republic.

“ADB stands together with the government and the people of the Kyrgyz Republic to help the country develop new and better ways to address the nation’s persistent development challenges,” said ADB Country Director for the Kyrgyz Republic Kanokpan Lao-Araya. “Under the new CPS, we will continue to provide knowledge solutions, support policy dialogue, and help strengthen the capacity of government institutions.”

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.