AKIPRESS.COM - Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice President Yingming Yang, who is responsible for operations in the South Asia Department and the Central and West Asia Department, in an interview with Tazabek spoke about 30 years of fruitful partnership, the most significant joint projects in Kyrgyzstan and priorities for future investments, climate action, private sector development initiatives and much more.

- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been a key partner in the Kyrgyz Republic's development journey for the past 30 years. What do you consider to be the most significant achievements and milestones of this partnership?

- Thank you for the opportunity to reflect on the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) 30-year partnership with the Kyrgyz Republic.

Indeed, as one of the country’s largest multilateral development partners, ADB has continuously supported the Kyrgyz Republic's development efforts with commitments of about $2.9 billion spanning loans, grants, and technical assistance. By investing in a wide range of sectors – from transport and energy to education, healthcare and the private sector – our interventions have touched the lives of millions of Kyrgyz citizens.

*As of 2024, ADB assistance to Kyrgyz Republic is about $2.9 billion

While it's challenging to single out individual projects, given the breadth and depth of our engagement, a few notable examples illustrate the tangible impact of our partnership.

First is ADB's support for enhancing the country's infrastructure. This includes significant investments in the transport and energy sectors. For instance, the upgrading of the Toktogul and Uch Kurgan Hydropower Plants, and the rehabilitation and reconstruction of about 1,000 km of major transport corridors and feeder roads. This has not only significantly improved energy power supply, domestic and regional connectivity, but also boosted economic activity across the country.

Another notable achievement is ADB's contribution to improving water supply and sanitation infrastructure and services.

Thanks to these projects, ADB has helped enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food and water security for the Kyrgyz people. This is particularly important in a country where agriculture is vital to the economy.

Toktogul hydropower plant section