Co-organized by the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance (MCDF) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), this panel discussion will address how multilateral development banks can effectively collaborate with the region to mobilize capital from international financial institutions (IFIs) and the private sector to enhance cross-border connectivity within Central Asia and with adjacent regions such as West and East Asia as well as the Middle East and Europe. Furthermore, countries in adjacent sub-regions such as West Asia and the Caucuses are expected to play a critical role in developing corridors to facilitate transit traffic between Asia and Europe.

The objectives of the seminar therefore include:

• Presenting and discussing the role of cross-border connectivity in sustainable economic development in MCDF and AIIB Members in Central Asia in light of new developments in the global economic landscape.
• Reviewing case studies of connectivity infrastructure projects that have the potential to expand cross-border linkages to facilitate trade and investment.
• Highlighting the role of IFIs in supporting the design, planning and implementation of connectivity and green infrastructure by collaborating with the private sector and mobilizing their investment in Central Asia and neighboring regions such as the South Caucuses.

This 1 hour and 15-minute session will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and available virtually via YouTube Live Stream.