Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), announced the launch of a major project aimed at expanding access to clean drinking water in Kyrgyzstan. The initiative will provide funding for 25 localities, with a total investment of $100mn.
The announcement came during a meeting between Renaud-Basso and President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan in Samarkand, where they discussed a wide range of cooperation opportunities. The EBRD’s investment in the water sector is part of a broader effort to support Kyrgyzstan’s infrastructure and sustainable development.
Renaud-Basso emphasized the importance of this project in improving the quality of life for Kyrgyz citizens, particularly in rural areas, and ensuring access to safe drinking water as part of the country’s long-term development goals.
President Japarov expressed gratitude for the EBRD’s continued support, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in addressing the country’s infrastructure needs. The two leaders also discussed further cooperation in the energy and water sectors, with a focus on sustainability and climate resilience.
In addition to the water project, Renaud-Basso outlined ongoing EBRD support for Kyrgyzstan, which includes investments in the energy sector, infrastructure development, and projects aimed at reducing the impact of climate change.
She noted that in 2024 alone, the bank had invested $52mn in the real sector of Kyrgyzstan’s economy, with 11 new projects planned for the year, particularly in the energy and irrigation sectors.
Renaud-Basso also highlighted the EBRD’s role in the reconstruction of the Kara-Balta–Chaldybar road, which will improve regional connectivity by linking Kyrgyzstan to the Trans-Caspian international transport corridor.
At the end of the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors, including green energy, infrastructure, and sustainable development, with the aim of enhancing Kyrgyzstan’s growth prospects and regional integration.
