EDB and UzOman launch strategic partnership to develop investment projects in Uzbekistan
Tashkent, 20 April 2026 – The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and the Uzbek-Oman Investment Company (UzOman) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The parties will focus on developing investment projects in Uzbekistan, including in the transport and logistics infrastructure sector.
The document was signed by Alexey Skatin, Senior Managing Director of the EDB, and Omar Bahram, CEO of UzOman. This is another significant agreement between the EDB and a Uzbek partner since the Republic of Uzbekistan joined the Bank as a member state.
"The implementation of investment projects in Uzbekistan, particularly in the transport and logistics infrastructure sector, is one of the key drivers of economic growth in the Eurasian region. Uzbekistan's economy is growing at over 7%, and the country is playing an increasingly important role in regional connectivity. We see great potential in partnering with an experienced and strategic investor such as UzOman to support projects that will strengthen the transit potential of the republic and the entire region," said Alexey Skatin, Senior Managing Director of the EDB.
"Cooperation with the Eurasian Development Bank opens up new opportunities for implementing large-scale investment and infrastructure projects in Uzbekistan. Combining our local market knowledge and investment management experience with the financial expertise and resources of the EDB will make a significant contribution to the development of the country's logistics industry and the economy as a whole," emphasised Omar Bahram, CEO of UzOman.
Under the terms of the Memorandum, UzOman will submit potential projects to the EDB for consideration regarding the possibility of their joint financing. The Bank, in turn, will assess them for compliance with its mandate and investment policy.
Through this cooperation, the parties intend to join efforts to stimulate economic growth, create new jobs and improve the well-being of both the Republic of Uzbekistan and all EDB member states.
Economic context:
Uzbekistan and the region are growing at an accelerated pace
The cooperation takes place against the backdrop of sustained economic growth in Central Asia. According to EDB data, Uzbekistan's economy grew by 7.7% in 2025 (up from 6.7% a year earlier). The expansion was supported by robust domestic demand and investment inflows. Trade, services and construction were the most dynamic sectors. In January 2026, economic activity remains high due to expanding industrial production and retail turnover. Inflation in Uzbekistan continues to slow steadily towards the target level.
Overall, Central Asia is growing almost twice as fast as emerging economies, creating rising demand for modern transport and logistics infrastructure.
Additional Information:
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is a multilateral development bank investing in Eurasia. For 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. Its portfolio consists principally of projects with an integration effect in transport infrastructure, digital systems, green energy, agriculture, manufacturing and mechanical engineering. The Bank adheres to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles in its operations.
The EDB is implementing three mega-projects as part of its 2022–2026 Strategy: the Eurasian Transport Network, the Eurasian Agricultural Goods Distribution System and the Central Asian Water and Energy Complex.
The EDB Media Centre:
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