EDB estimates Central Asia needs up to $260 billion in investments by 2030

According to estimates by the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), Central Asian countries will need to attract between $219 billion and $260 billion in investments by 2030 to develop the energy sector, transport infrastructure, water resources, and logistics, Ruslan Dalenov, Deputy Chairman of the EDB Management Board, said during the session "Investing in Central Asia: Opportunities and Partnerships" at the EDB Annual Meeting and Business Forum, according to Report.

"By 2030, Central Asia will require substantial investment in key sectors: $150–170 billion for the energy sector, $50–60 billion for transport infrastructure, $12–14 billion for water resources, and $6–7 billion for the logistics sector. These estimates are based on in-depth research conducted by the bank's analytical division. This is not merely a financing requirement-it represents enormous investment opportunities," Dalenov said.

According to the EDB executive, Central Asia is evolving beyond its traditional role as a resource-based region and is becoming a hub for industrialization, manufacturing, technological innovation, and long-term investment.

"For Central Asia, this is not only a matter of economic growth. It is also about overcoming the 'middle-income trap.' This means moving up the value chain, increasing productivity, and developing industries with higher added value. At the same time, we are seeing growing demand for larger and more comprehensive projects. Their implementation requires strong partnerships. We invite investment banks, international financial institutions, and other partners to cooperate," Dalenov added.