EADB Outlines Central Asia Warehouse Infrastructure Strategy at Central Asia Warehouse Summit

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 16 October, at the Central Asia Warehouse Summit (CAWS) in Almaty, the Eurasian Development Bank (EADB) presented its strategic vision for developing warehouse infrastructure in Central Asia.

Deputy Chairman of the EADB Board Yaroslav Mandron and Head of Strategic Projects Alexey Skatin highlighted key investment priorities and the region’s infrastructure challenges.

According to IBC Global and NF Group data for 2024–2025, Central Asia’s warehouse real estate market faces a structural shortage of modern high-quality spaces, creating unique investment opportunities. Sector yields range from 17–20% annually, with payback periods of five to eight years.

The total demand for modern warehouse space is estimated at nearly 2 million m², with required investments potentially reaching $1.5 billion. Currently, 1.6 million m² of new warehouse projects are announced, reflecting high market activity and growing interest from both local and international investors.

Modern warehouses are becoming key to the development of logistics and e-commerce in the region. Growing industrial and e-commerce sectors require facilities with process automation, temperature-controlled zones, and high order-processing speeds.

High demand is focused on Class A warehouses, offering low vacancy, stable income, and support for 3PL operators, creating opportunities to attract investments and integrate the region into international logistics networks.

Long-term projections indicate substantial growth in warehouse space needs across the Eurasian region. Scenario modeling shows the total warehouse stock could nearly double by 2040, rising from 58 million m² in Q1 2025 to 101 million m² — a 74% increase.

EADB, together with IBC Global, has initiated the creation of the Central Asia Warehouse Real Estate Association — an industry platform to unite market participants, develop a unified logistics network (ETPS), and attract international investments to the region’s logistics sector.

“We aim to establish the Association as a dialogue platform for all market participants — from investors to technology providers. The goal is to unite the professional community to form a significant regional market with access to long-term financing and industry standards. We invite developers, tenants, financial institutions, and general contractors to join this initiative to lay the foundation for systematic warehouse infrastructure development,” emphasized Alexey Skatin.

Central Asia remains one of the least equipped regions with modern warehouse facilities. Growth in e-commerce, agro-export, and cross-border trade necessitates logistics modernization and high-quality warehouse solutions.

The industry association will overcome existing barriers, standardize the sector, and improve access to financing. It will be a cornerstone for the ETPS, promoting economic integration in the region and connecting to global supply chains.

The Association will focus on attracting investments, promoting industry standards, auditing and certifying projects, conducting research, developing professional education, and maintaining dialogue with state authorities, ensuring a transparent and efficient warehouse real estate market for all participants.