Investments, reforms and a high-level visit planned for 2026, DKNews.kz reports.
Kazakhstan and the Asian Development Bank continue to deepen a partnership that has been built over more than three decades. This was highlighted during a meeting between First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev and Utsav Kumar, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank in Kazakhstan.
The talks focused on current cooperation, future priorities and the practical impact of ADB-supported projects on the country’s development.
More than 30 years of cooperation
The Asian Development Bank remains one of Kazakhstan’s key international partners. Over the past 30 years, cooperation has evolved into a long-term and strategic relationship, supporting major transformations across the economy.
During the meeting, Yerzhan Ashikbayev emphasized the tangible contribution of ADB projects to Kazakhstan’s development:
“ADB projects in Kazakhstan have a tangible and positive impact, making a significant contribution to the country’s sustainable economic development, infrastructure modernization and the implementation of institutional reforms. We highly value ADB’s support in such priority areas as transport connectivity and regional integration, energy and renewable energy sources, modernization of energy infrastructure, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and expansion of access to financial services.”
Focus on efficiency and real results
At the same time, the First Deputy Minister underlined that the effectiveness of ongoing projects must remain a key priority. According to him, investments should translate into real and measurable socio-economic benefits for the country.
Ashikbayev also briefed the ADB Country Director on the large-scale economic and constitutional reforms currently underway in Kazakhstan, stressing that future project selection should be closely aligned with the priorities of these national transformations.
Over 7.5 billion dollars invested
Utsav Kumar, in turn, highlighted the close and constructive cooperation between ADB and the Government of Kazakhstan. He noted that over the years of partnership, the Bank has invested more than 7.5 billion US dollars in Kazakhstan’s economy.
He also expressed ADB’s readiness to further deepen cooperation and expand the portfolio of socially and economically significant projects, responding to Kazakhstan’s development needs.
ADB President’s visit in 2026
A separate topic of discussion was the planned visit of ADB President Masato Kanda to Kazakhstan in spring 2026. The upcoming trip is seen as an important signal confirming the strategic nature of the partnership between Kazakhstan and the Asian Development Bank.
Dialogue continues
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan reaffirmed its readiness to continue close cooperation with ADB and its representation in the country on all issues of mutual interest.
Against the backdrop of ongoing reforms and new economic priorities, this partnership is increasingly viewed not just as financial support, but as a key driver of Kazakhstan’s sustainable development in the years ahead.
