ADB Vice President: Kazakistan Can Emerge Victorious by Redrawing the Opportunity Map for Investors

Asya Kalkınma Bankası (ADB) Başkan Yardımcısı Fatima Yasmin stated that global uncertainties have not halted international investments, but rather caused capital to change direction. Yasmin emphasized that global investors have started to act more selectively, but they continue to gravitate towards countries that can offer reliability, connectivity, and long-term growth opportunities. In this new era, capital is creating attractive hubs for investors seeking new trade routes, energy and food security, and digital infrastructure. The Orta Asya region is attracting significant attention because it lies right at the center of these new global priorities. In this context, it is noted that Kazakistan is in a position to reap the highest benefits from the changing map of opportunities.

Sharing details about Kazakistan's potential to become a regional investment hub, Yasmin drew attention to the country's vast scale and strong institutional capacity. The fact that the country alone accounted for approximately 70 percent of the total foreign direct investment stock accumulated in Orta Asya in 2024 clearly demonstrates its regional leadership. The reevaluation of global supply chains by companies and their search for alternative trade routes are making Kazakistan's geostrategic position increasingly valuable by the day. However, to fully unleash this potential, the country needs to diversify into higher value-added production, logistics, and technology-oriented sectors. Predictable regulations, transparent public procurements, and qualified human capital stand out as the most critical elements that will make the country a reliable trade and production base.

These diversification and economic transformation goals provide a broad ground for further deepening the cooperation between Kazakistan and the Asya Kalkınma Bankası. The Bank aims to take an active role in the country's efforts to transform into a more competitive, sustainable, and inclusive economy. In this context, an investment program of up to 5.4 billion dollars was signed for development projects to be implemented in the country during the visit of ADB President Masato Kanda to Kazakistan in March. The financing package in question is planned to support the country's strategic priorities between 2026 and 2029. This step is considered a concrete indicator of international financial institutions' confidence in the Kazakistan economy.

Also touching upon the vital importance of strengthening regional cooperation and integration for Kazakistan, Yasmin brought up the country's potential to act as a bridge between Asia and Europe. In this regard, it is emphasized that special attention should be drawn to the development of critical transport networks such as the Hazar Geçişli Uluslararası Ulaştırma Rotası and CAREC corridors. The improvement of border management and the increase of multimodal connections are among the fundamental steps that will enhance the region's weight in global supply chains. It is highlighted that the country must also support private sector development by strengthening public-private partnerships and providing financing in local currency. Microfinancing supports to be provided for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the deepening of capital markets will contribute to the growth of the private sector, which will be the engine of the economy.

Stating that strategic steps for the future will not be limited to physical infrastructure, Yasmin added that investments in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure will open new doors of opportunity. The integration of critical minerals into production value chains stands out as another area that will play a significant role in the country's technological transformation. Noting that the role of the Asya Kalkınma Bankası in this process is not only to provide financing but also to offer policy advice, Yasmin underlined the importance of knowledge sharing. Furthermore, enhancing resilience against disasters and developing human capital through quality healthcare and education services are seen as integral parts of the sustainable economic development goal. The Bank aims to permanently elevate the country's prosperity level by bringing its public and private sector partners together around investment-ready reforms.