The EDB Council approved the Bank's Development Strategy for 2027-2031
Astana, 25 June 2026
Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov chaired a meeting of the Eurasian Development Bank's Council. The Council assessed the organisation's performance in 2025 and approved the Bank's new Development Strategy for 2027-2031.
Having noted that this year marks the EDB's 20th anniversary, Olzhas Bektenov emphasized the significant contribution the Bank has made to the development of its member states' economies over the years. He also expressed confidence in the EDB's continued dynamic growth. Today, the EDB brings together seven countries. As of the end of 2025, the Bank's cumulative portfolio comprised 326 projects with a total investment of US $19.6 billion. Combined with funds raised by the Bank's partners, the total investment in the economies exceeded US $64 billion.
Members of the EDB Council from Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan spoke at the meeting.
Nikolai Podguzov, Chairman of the EDB Management Board, reported on the Bank's 2025 performance. Last year, the EDB's investment reached US $2.6 billion. The major share of financing was allocated to projects in the energy, transport, logistics, and chemical sectors. The EDB's portfolio of green projects grew by 17% over the year, reaching US $1 billion. The Bank's Technical Assistance Fund and Fund for Digital Initiatives also allocated US $40 million to the projects focusing on water resources conservation, acceleration of AI technology development, enhancement of agricultural sector performance, etc. Kazakhstan's share of the Bank's current investment portfolio comprises US $4.2 billion (65%). Currently, the Bank is participating in 46 projects in the country.
One of the agenda items was the early implementation of the current EDB 2022-2026 Strategy. By the end of the current year, EDB's accumulated investments under the 2022-2026 Strategy are projected to reach US $12.2 billion, compared to the planned US $10.9 billion. Over 2022-2026, US $5.2 billion has been channelled into Kazakhstan's economy, which is comparable to the total investment made over the previous 15 years.
The Council approved the new 2027-2031 Strategy. Priority areas include the development of the transport and logistics sphere, financing of high-value-added industry, and attracting international capital to large-scale investment projects. Overall, the Strategy implementation will contribute to the expansion of economic cooperation, increased investment activity, and sustainable economic growth in the Bank's member states.
A number of organisational and financial decisions were made at the meeting. Upon the Council members' proposal, Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov was re-elected Chairman of the EDB Council, and Minister of Finance Madi Takiyev was reappointed Deputy Chairman. The Council also approved KPMG as the external auditor for the 2026 financial year.
In addition, the Eurasia 2030+: Investments, Growth, and New Opportunities business forum dedicated to the EDB's 20th anniversary, is taking place in Almaty today. Forum participants were greeted by a welcome letter from the Chairman of the EDB Board of Directors and the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.
The address noted that, in today's conditions, the Eurasian region has significant potential for expanding trade, implementing technologies, and creating new areas of economic growth. Emphasis was placed on the special role the EDB plays in strengthening economic cooperation and implementing large infrastructure projects that contribute to the development of regional integration. At the same time, investment in human capital, innovation, and economic connectivity will form the basis for Eurasia's sustainable growth in the coming years.
"President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s strategic course aiming to build a "Just and Progressive Kazakhstan", strength the rule of law, develop entrepreneurship and unlock human potential, creates a solid foundation for investor confidence, economy modernization and expansion of international partnerships. Today, cooperation with Kazakhstan opens up great opportunities for investors to implement joint projects. An "open door" policy for foreign investment remains a strategic priority for the country. Its solid foundation is the provisions of the New Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which enshrine property rights guarantees, freedom of entrepreneurial activity, fair competition, and equality before the law. These principles are key for investors and allow for the consistent improvement of conditions for doing business, protecting investments, and implementing long-term projects," Olzhas Bektenov's address reads.
Additional Information:
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is a multilateral development bank investing in Eurasia. For more than 20 years, the Bank has worked to strengthen and expand economic ties and foster comprehensive development in its member countries. By the end of December 2025, the EDB’s cumulative portfolio comprised 326 projects with a total investment of US $19.6 billion. The Bank's portfolio consists principally of projects with an integration effect in transport infrastructure, digital systems, green energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and mechanical engineering. The Bank’s operations are guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles.
As part of its 2022–2026 Strategy, the EDB is implementing 3 mega-projects: The Water and Energy Complex of Central Asia, The Eurasian Transport Network, and The Eurasian Commodity Distribution Network.
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