EDB Launches Platform for Gulf Investments in Central Asia

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has opened a representative office at the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), paving the way for investors from the Gulf countries to access promising projects in Central Asia. The opening ceremony was attended by ADGM CEO Salem Al Darei and EDB Chairman Nikolay Podguzov.

The new platform will offer ready-made investment solutions based on EDB analytics, regional expertise, and access to infrastructure and sustainable development projects. It will enable investors to finance projects with an optimal risk–return balance, while Central Asian countries gain access to new sources of capital.

“We are creating an ‘investment highway’ between Gulf capital and Central Asian opportunities. The new EDB office strengthens our role as a bridge between the regions,” Nikolay Podguzov emphasized.

A local presence in ADGM will allow the EDB to maintain direct dialogue with regulators, sovereign wealth funds, and institutional investors, as well as develop new financial instruments, including Islamic finance. One of the key initiatives will be a specialized infrastructure credit fund for Central Asia, registered at ADGM.

Salem Al Darei noted that the opening of the office strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a global investment hub and deepens cross-border cooperation.

Earlier in 2025, the EDB successfully placed bonds denominated in UAE dirhams, confirming strong interest from Middle Eastern investors.

According to the Bank, over the past five years, trade between the GCC and Central Asia has grown 4.2-fold, while accumulated foreign direct investment has increased 1.8-fold. Key investment areas for the platform include transport and logistics, the water sector and agribusiness, and renewable energy. Experts also project significant growth in Islamic finance in the region through 2033.