EIB opens regional representation in Tashkent, steps up engagement in Central Asia

The European Investment Bank opened its Regional Representation for Central Asia in Tashkent today, bringing its teams closer to partners and projects throughout the region.

The office was inaugurated by EIB Vice-President Marek Mora, who highlighted the bank’s growing engagement in Central Asia and its expanding investment pipeline in the region.

EIB has been active in Central Asia since 2009, with operations signed in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. At the first EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand in April 2025, EIB Global announced, in close partnership with the European Union (EU) and “Team Europe”, new initiatives to finance projects across the region, aligned with the EU Global Gateway priorities.

“When we decided to open a regional representation, it was because we could see how quickly Central Asia is changing and how much demand there is for high-quality investment. Being on the ground helps us move faster, work more closely with our partners and turn ideas into projects. We already see strong opportunities in areas ranging from transport and energy to water and digital infrastructure”, said the EIB Vice-President Marek Mora, who oversees the Bank’s operations in Central Asia.

EIB Global, the European Investment Bank’s development arm, is expanding its activities across Central Asia, supporting investments in sustainable transport connectivity, energy, water, digital infrastructure and climate resilience. Current and planned initiatives include support for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, major hydropower developments such as Rogun and Kambarata-1, and regional digital connectivity projects. Working closely with the European Union, Team Europe partners and international financial institutions, EIB Global is also developing new opportunities in critical raw materials and healthcare value chains, in line with the objectives of the EU Global Gateway strategy. 

“Uzbekistan is investing heavily in its future, and that requires strong international partnerships. The opening of the EIB office in Tashkent brings new expertise, new financing opportunities and a long-term partner that can help us deliver complex projects that matter for our economy and for our citizens”, said the Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov.

Since a Framework Agreement was signed in 2017, Uzbekistan has become an important partner for EIB Global in Central Asia.

EIB Global is currently exploring with the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade (MIIT) a pipeline of potential operations supporting Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy and the EU Global Gateway, including:

Transport – supporting green, smart and safe transport, notably along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor;

Climate, energy and water – supporting investments linked to the clean energy transition and more sustainable water management;

Digital – supporting secure and reliable connectivity;

Health – strengthening healthcare supply chains and local vaccine production;

Critical raw materials – supporting the development of local industrial value chains.

Including projects already signed, and based on existing Memoranda of Understanding, the total volume of operations currently under consideration in Uzbekistan is €1 billion. 

Potential investments could be financed through sovereign and sub-sovereign lending, public-private partnerships, private sector financing, support to EU-Uzbekistan trade, equity investments and blended finance solutions.

“The opening of the EIB Regional Representation in Tashkent is another important step in the growing partnership between the European Union and Uzbekistan. A stronger EIB presence in the region will help translate the EU’s Global Gateway priorities into concrete projects that support sustainable growth, connectivity and opportunities for people and businesses across Central Asia. It also reflects the European Union’s long-term commitment to deepening cooperation with Uzbekistan and the wider region”, said EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Toivo Klaar. 

Alongside financing, EIB Global is increasing its advisory work in the region, helping partners prepare projects, attract investment and bring complex infrastructure schemes to market.

A first example was announced during the Tashkent International Investment Forum with the signing of a Declaration of Intent between EIB Global and JSC Uzsuvtaminot to explore advisory support for the Surum Wastewater Treatment Plant public-private partnership (PPP) project in Tashkent.

Subject to approvals and due diligence, EIB Global would provide transaction advisory services to support the development of a new wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 300,000 m³ per day. The project is expected to improve sanitation services in the Uzbek capital and reduce pressure on the city’s existing wastewater infrastructure.

The initiative illustrates the growing pipeline of investment and advisory opportunities being developed in Uzbekistan, particularly in the water and environmental sectors.

Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA