Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda met with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana to reaffirm the bank’s partnership with the country and announced plans for up to $5.4 billion in indicative financing between 2026 and 2029. The funding aims to support Kazakhstan’s development priorities and promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
During the meeting, Kanda emphasized ADB’s commitment to working closely with both the Kazakh government and the private sector to support major investments that advance national development goals and improve economic opportunities for citizens. The financing is expected to contribute to long-term development while strengthening key sectors across the country.
Kanda also praised Kazakhstan’s ongoing structural reforms aimed at improving public finance management and attracting greater investment. The planned financing framework was outlined in a memorandum of understanding signed during the visit, focusing on strengthening regional cooperation, improving resilience to natural hazards and reducing regional economic disparities.
As part of the visit, Kanda witnessed the signing of a loan agreement worth approximately $377 million for the Saryagash Bypass Project. The infrastructure project is expected to improve transport networks and strengthen Kazakhstan’s trade connectivity across the region.
Kanda also held discussions with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin. Talks focused on expanding ADB’s support for infrastructure modernization, promoting private sector development and strengthening public–private partnerships. Both sides also explored opportunities for cooperation in areas such as digital transformation and the development of critical minerals.
Kazakhstan became a member of ADB in 1994, and since then the bank has committed around $7.7 billion in loans, grants and technical assistance to support the country’s development. These investments have covered sectors including public sector management, transport, finance and energy, helping to advance economic growth and infrastructure development.
ADB is a multilateral development bank that supports inclusive, resilient and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Through partnerships with member countries and organizations, the bank provides financial resources, technical expertise and innovative solutions aimed at addressing complex development challenges and improving livelihoods across the region.
