The EDB hosts the “EDB Day,” an international event series, in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, 4 March 2025. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) launched its “EDB Day” international event series in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This new initiative aims to introduce the Bank’s activities to potential partners and explore opportunities for collaboration between the EDB and both the public and private sectors. The events will be held regularly to present the Bank’s operations to government agencies and businesses.
The “EDB Day” brought together the Bank’s leadership and experts, along with representatives from major banks, investment funds and UAE government authorities.
Nikolai Podguzov, Chairman of the EDB Management Board, outlined the Bank’s strategic priorities and key sectors of focus. He highlighted the EDB’s pivotal role in Central Asia and emphasised the potential for collaboration with UAE partners to promote the development of the region: “We have already established ourselves as a leader in non-sovereign investments in the region and, in line with the Bank’s strategy, we aim to position the EDB as the key regional development bank in Central Asia by 2026. To achieve this, we are driving investment growth in the region’s critical sectors. This requires expanding the network of potential investors for our three key mega-projects that will boost investment in the region.”
During the event, the Bank’s leadership presented its core activities, including project financing, research and future strategic directions. Daniyar Imangaliyev, Vice Chairman of the Management Board, discussed the EDB’s role in financial markets, while Ruslan Dalenov, Vice Chairman of the Management Board, along with representatives from Dar Al Sharia, introduced the Bank’s latest expansion into Islamic finance.
Evgeny Vinokurov, Vice Chairman of the Management Board and Chief Economist, presented the Bank’s macroeconomic outlook and key research findings on the transport, water, energy and petrochemical sectors. He noted that Central Asia’s population has now reached 80 million, with the region’s economy growing 40% faster than the global average. By the end of 2024, the region’s GDP had exceeded half a trillion US dollars. Vinokurov presented an assessment of investment needs in Central Asia’s water sector and outlined extensive business opportunities. The irrigation equipment market is expected to surpass US $400 million per year in the medium term, while annual investment needs for water supply and sanitation – especially in large cities – could reach up to US $2 billion. Regarding transport infrastructure, he emphasised that developing North-South corridors will halve delivery times and costs for cargo shipments between the Gulf and Central Asia.
Azamat Tyuleubai, Senior Managing Director, presented the EDB’s project portfolio and potential projects, while Anna-Maria Chkoniya, Managing Director for International Cooperation, concluded the event with a discussion on potential formats for collaboration with UAE partners.
The event also featured a session by the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange on the Tabadul Digital Hub, which the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange had recently joined.
Additional Information:
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is a multilateral development bank investing in Eurasia. For more than 18 years, the Bank has worked to strengthen and expand economic ties and foster comprehensive development in its member countries. The EDB's charter capital totals US $7 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 Media Centre:
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