Overview of ADB Operations in Kyrgyz Republic
ADB began its operations in the Kyrgyz Republic in 1994 and established the Kyrgyz Resident Mission in April 2000.
In keeping with its overarching objective and that of the Government, ADB operations in the Kyrgyz Republic give particular emphasis to poverty reduction.
As of 30 June 2003, cumulatively, ADB has approved 21 loans on concessional terms totaling over US$542.5 million equivalent. In addition, as of 30 June 2003, US$30.97 million has been provided as grants for 51 technical assistance projects.
For 2004-2006, ADB lending program consists of six loans for a totaling $90 million. The lending program will be supported by non-lending assistance, including a technical assistance grant pipeline of about $6.5 million. The non-lending program will include assistance to prepare investment projects as well as advisory and capacity building technical assistance.
ADB's portfolio in the Kyrgyz Republic has performed well. The implementation of approved loans and technical assistance has proceeded generally on schedule and brought many visible and valuable benefits to the Kyrgyz people and the country.
As of 30 June 2003, eight loans have been closed and twenty four advisory technical assistance projects have been completed. ADB's Kyrgyz operations have grown in complexity and magnitude, and a sizeable portfolio of ongoing projects has been built up. ADB has thus become a major source of development assistance to the Kyrgyz Republic.
A significant number of ADB-supported projects are located in the southern part of the country. ADB's development assistance supports economically and strategically important projects and policy initiatives.
ADB's portfolio of ongoing projects covers a variety of sectors. These include agricultural development, assistance to strengthen credit unions and rural financial infrastructure, corporate governance, education, energy, road rehabilitation, customs, and emergency assistance after floods.
ADB has provided assistance to implement a program to improve the policy, regulatory, and institutional capacity in the banking sector. It has also provided programs to streamline the functioning of the judicial system, and improve corporate governance to make the operations of private companies transparent, accountable, and efficient. These reforms will, in the medium and long run, create a favorable environment for the advancement of private enterprises.
Improving regional cooperation has been another major feature of ADB operations in the Kyrgyz Republic and the Central Asian region. The ongoing efforts in this area - with principal focus on improving regional cooperation in transport, energy, and trade - have already begun to bear fruit as evidenced by ADB's approved assistance for improving the Bishkek-Almaty road and the rehabilitation of the Osh-Sarytash-Irkeshtam road, which will provide a regional southern transport corridor to the People's Republic of China.
ADB's support to the Kyrgyz Republic has been significant. ADB and its Kyrgyz Resident Mission stand committed to continue assisting the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic in its efforts to combat poverty and promote economic development in the country.