MCDF, AIIB, and IsDB Discuss Joint Study on High-Quality Central Asia Connectivity Infrastructure at AIIB Annual Meeting Panel

Experts from the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance (MCDF), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) discussed their joint study to foster high-quality connectivity infrastructure growth in Central Asia during a “marketplace” session panel, held alongside the 2025 AIIB Annual Meeting on 26 June in Beijing.  

Ms. Linghui Cai, Senior Program Officer at MCDF, and AIIB and IsDB staff participated in the panel, entitled Bridging Gaps: A Collaborative Vision for Cross-Border Connectivity in Central Asia and together described the findings of the joint study and how a partnership approach could enhance connectivity projects in the region.

The joint study aims to help turn a pipeline of connectivity infrastructure co-financing opportunities in the region into bankable and sustainable projects that boost cross-border trade and economic diversification. The study covers the transport, energy, and telecommunications sectors in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The study was prepared in three parts: an initial mapping study on Central Asia’s connectivity landscape, a subsequent identification study on cross-border project opportunities, and a diagnostic analysis on sectoral strategy and possible coordination next steps. The diagnostic analysis was funded by a USD165,375 MCDF grant approved by the MCDF Governing Committee in 2023.

Ms. Cai emphasized the importance of partnerships among IFIs, governments, and other stakeholders for advancing high-quality projects targeted by the study. MCDF played a key role in bringing these partners together to implement preparatory work, build institutional capacity, and share information needed to realize sustainable projects, based on the application of IFI standards and best practices, she noted.

NOTE: News release photo above of (left to right) Mr. Kazuhiro Nomoto, Partnership Officer, Institutional Engagement and Cooperation, Operational Partnership Department, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Ms. Linghui Cai, Senior Program Officer, MCDF, Mr. Mohamed Abida, Associate Manager, Partnerships, Islamic Development Bank