Bishkek, April 3, 2025. /Kabar/. As part of a working trip to Samarkand, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov met with President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Odile Renaud-Basso.
The press service of the head of state said that the issues of expanding cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the EBRD, attracting investment in strategic sectors of the economy, implementing joint infrastructure projects, as well as supporting the private sector and developing green energy were discussed.
During the meeting, the head of state expressed gratitude to the EBRD for its significant contribution to the development of the energy sector of Kyrgyzstan. He noted that the bank's support contributes to the modernization of infrastructure, the introduction of modern technologies and the transition to more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy.
Sadyr Zhaparov highly praised the EBRD's role in the creation of the Donor Coordination Committee aimed at supporting a strategic infrastructure project - the construction of the Kambar-Ata HPP-1.
During the discussion of sustainable development issues, the President noted the importance of the EBRD's priorities in the field of green economy and biodiversity conservation. He emphasized that the countries of the region are ready for close cooperation with international financial institutions to address environmental issues, reduce the effects of climate change and consolidate efforts to achieve a common goal.
Also during the meeting, issues of reforming the water sector and creating the corresponding infrastructure were discussed. The head of state emphasized that in order to implement the planned plans, this sector needs investments to improve infrastructure, expand access to safe drinking water and promote sustainable water management practices.
Odile Renaud-Basso, in turn, emphasized that the EBRD remains one of the largest investors in Kyrgyzstan. She noted that since the beginning of cooperation, the total volume of investments in the republic has reached about 1 billion US dollars.
"Last year, funds invested in the real sector of the country's economy amounted to 52 million US dollars. Now we are considering the possibility of increasing the volume of financing. Eleven projects have already been signed for 2024, the most significant of which are in the energy and irrigation sectors," said the EBRD President.
In addition, Odile Renaud-Basso announced the launch of a project to expand access to clean drinking water. Financing has been provided for 25 settlements, and the total investment in this initiative will amount to 100 million US dollars.
It is also expected that the EBRD will support the reconstruction of the Kara-Balta - Chaldybar highway, which provides access to the Trans-Caspian international route. Part of the planned financing will be provided in the form of grants.
At the end of the meeting, Odile Renaud-Basso stressed that the EBRD fully supports the priorities identified in the development of the state and congratulated President Sadyr Zhaparov on the settlement of the issue of the state border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.