Almaty unites Eurasia: EDB Business Forum kicks off
On June 25, the Annual Meeting and Business Forum of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), titled “Eurasia 2030+: Investment, Growth and New Opportunities”, opened in Almaty.
Over two days, the event will provide a platform to discuss key aspects of Eurasia’s economic growth, investment collaboration, transport links, Islamic finance, and digital technologies.
The forum brought together representatives from government agencies, businesses, international financial organizations, and the expert and media communities across 15 countries.
Nikolai Podguzov, Chairman of the EDB Management Board, moderated the opening ceremony.
Senior officials from the financial and economic agencies of the EDB member countries delivered welcoming remarks to forum participants. Uzbekistan was represented at the opening ceremony by Khurram Teshabayev, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, who emphasized the importance of expanding regional cooperation, attracting investment, and developing joint infrastructure projects.
The forum features over ten thematic sessions focused on pressing regional economic issues. Participants will explore global economic trends and their influence on Eurasian nations, investment opportunities in sustainable development, digital transformation, the future of Islamic finance in Central Asia, transport infrastructure growth in landlocked countries, and the capabilities of the Eurasian Transport Framework.
Particular attention will be given to the adoption of artificial intelligence and other innovative technologies. The forum also sees participation from leaders of key Islamic finance institutions from Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, along with representatives from multilateral development banks, investment funds, and prominent companies.
This year, the Eurasian Development Bank celebrates 20 years of operation. By the end of 2025, it had funded 326 projects totaling $19.6 billion. A large portion of this funding has supported transport infrastructure, digital solutions, green energy, agriculture, industry, and mechanical engineering.
The forum is expected to foster discussions on innovative investment cooperation mechanisms and the deepening of economic relationships, while also focusing on practical solutions for the sustainable development of Eurasian nations.
Aziza Alimova, UzA
Almaty, Kazakhstan
