Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), has announced the launch of a landmark $100 million project aimed at improving access to clean drinking water across Kyrgyzstan. The initiative will finance water infrastructure in 25 localities, significantly enhancing the country’s rural water supply systems.
The announcement was made during a high-level meeting in Samarkand between Renaud-Basso and President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan. The leaders explored a broad range of cooperation opportunities, underscoring the EBRD’s ongoing commitment to support Kyrgyzstan’s infrastructure development and sustainable growth.
Renaud-Basso emphasized the critical role of the water project in advancing the quality of life for Kyrgyz citizens—especially in underserved rural communities—and reaffirmed the EBRD’s dedication to helping Kyrgyzstan achieve its long-term development and climate resilience goals.
President Japarov expressed appreciation for the EBRD’s continued support, noting that strong international partnerships are essential to meeting the country’s infrastructure and environmental challenges. The discussions also touched on future cooperation in the energy and water sectors, with an emphasis on sustainability and innovation.
In addition to the water initiative, Renaud-Basso highlighted the EBRD’s broader engagement in Kyrgyzstan. In 2024 alone, the Bank invested $52 million in the country’s real sector and has 11 new projects in the pipeline, particularly focused on energy efficiency and irrigation.
She also spotlighted the EBRD’s involvement in the rehabilitation of the Kara-Balta–Chaldybar road—an important infrastructure upgrade that will enhance regional connectivity and integrate Kyrgyzstan into the Trans-Caspian international transport corridor.
The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their shared commitment to deepening cooperation in key sectors including green energy, infrastructure, and climate adaptation—positioning Kyrgyzstan for inclusive economic growth and stronger regional integration.