Evgeny Vinokurov, Vice Chairman and Chief Economist at the EDB, presents insights on Central Asia’s water and energy challenges оn ADFIAP 2025
Central Asia’s water and energy challenges. Presentation on ADFIAP 2025
Presenting at the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) Annual Meeting 2025 in Muscat, EDB Chief Economist Evgeny Vinokurov shared Eurasian Development Bank’s insights on Central Asia’s water and energy challenges.
To get finance professionals worldwide take note of Central Asia's water situation, he formulated several lessons that Central Asian water sector might carry:
• Optimizing Demand
Instead of solely expanding water supply, prioritizing water efficiency (especially in irrigation, cities, and industries) proves more cost-effective. EDB advocates for a shift towards demand-side efficiency, modernizing irrigation practices with digital metering and advanced technologies to slash losses by 20–30%.
• Building Local Industries
Developing countries worldwide need to industrialize to catch up with the rich ones. Nations should seize opportunities to nurture domestic industries. Central Asia, for instance, heavily relies on imported irrigation equipment, with imports set to double to $400 million by the decade's end. Developing local production based on existing demand can foster economic growth and help build up its own industrial base.
• Water Sector Investment
Despite the focus on renewables and connectivity, development finance institutions around the world have largely overlooked the water sector. Mr. Vinokurov highlights the significance of investing in water infrastructure, emphasizing its importance alongside connectivity and renewables.
In a world where water scarcity and efficient resource management are paramount, these lessons from Central Asia's challenges hold relevance for financial professionals worldwide. Let's prioritize water efficiency, nurture local industries, and elevate the role of water infrastructure in global development financing.
To learn more, find the full video version of the presentation on our website
Link to EDB Reports