Asian Development Bank announces €65bn regional investment plan across Asia
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At its annual meeting in Samarkand, the Bank outlined a programme focused on cross-border energy and digital infrastructure. Officials detailed economic projections and new agreements while expanding regional investment priorities
Almost €65 billion in planned regional investments, covering energy systems, digital infrastructure and cross-border connectivity across Asia and the Pacific, was announced by the Asian Development Bank, during its 59th Annual Meeting that took place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
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The programme was presented alongside updated financing data and economic projections, as policymakers and financial institutions met to assess regional priorities.
More than 4,000 delegates from over 100 countries attended the meeting, including finance ministers, central bank governors and representatives of the private sector.
The forum, held under the theme “Crossroads of Development: Advancing a Connected Future,” focused on energy, digital access, supply chains and economic coordination in a period of slower growth and rising costs.
Opening the meeting, ADB President Masato Kanda addressed the need for coordinated responses across the region.
“The decisions we make at this new crossroads will secure the future for the next generation,” he said. “In this fragmented world, traditional and isolated development responses will fail. To survive and thrive in this new era, we must build deeply connected and resilient systems.”
Investment in energy and digital infrastructure
The €65 billion programme includes a €46 billion allocation for a Pan-Asia Power Grid, intended to connect renewable energy systems across borders and extend transmission capacity.
According to the Bank, the project could link up to 20 gigawatts of renewable energy, expand transmission networks by 22,000 kilometres and provide energy access to around 200 million people by 2035.
A further €18.2 billion is allocated to cross-border digital infrastructure, including broadband expansion and network development across participating economies.
The Bank states that these investments are expected to reduce connectivity costs in remote and landlocked areas and increase access to energy and digital services.
Annual financing and economic outlook
During the meeting, ADB reported nearly €40 billion in support for the region in 2025, based on its latest financial data.
Its Board of Governors approved financial statements that include a €1.34 billion net income allocation for reserves, concessional financing, technical assistance and disaster response.
“Energy and digital access will define regional development,” said Kanda, referring to the role of infrastructure in shaping economic activity across Asia and the Pacific.
ADB also presented updated economic projections. Growth in developing Asia is forecast at 4.7% in 2026, while inflation is projected to reach 5.2%, reflecting higher energy prices and ongoing geopolitical pressures.
Cooperation agreements with Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is among the countries expanding cooperation with ADB through new agreements announced during the meeting.
The Bank’s project portfolio in the country is approaching €15 billion, covering infrastructure, energy, agriculture and social development.
Two agreements were signed, including a €92 million programme to modernise 200 schools through science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, and a €275 million initiative to expand financial inclusion.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev referred to the scope of ongoing cooperation.
“We have identified clear plans to further expand our close cooperation with the Asian Development Bank in key areas such as poverty reduction, human capital development, and modern infrastructure,” he said.
“In today’s turbulent world, where the global economy is undergoing complex changes and new technologies are rapidly advancing, the time itself demands that we introduce new mechanisms and effective approaches together with the Bank”, he stressed.
He also confirmed the signing of a €11 billion cooperation programme with ADB.
Proposals on AI, transport and regional integration
During the meeting, Uzbekistan presented several proposals related to regional development.
“We propose developing a dedicated programme under the Asian Development Bank to scale up artificial intelligence in developing countries,” President Mirziyoyev said.
Uzbekistan also confirmed its intention to join the “Digital Highway for Asia” initiative and proposed the establishment of a regional coordination centre in Tashkent.
On transport, the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway was identified as a project expected to increase transit capacity and reduce delivery times to around 10 days, with an estimated capacity of up to 15 million tonnes of cargo per year.
The proposal also includes the creation of a “Digital Customs and Logistics Alliance” within the CAREC framework to support trade processes.
The discussion also included proposals related to climate policy and resource management.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev referred to the “Yashil Makon” programme, which includes the planting of 200 million trees annually, and proposed expanding it through a regional “Central Asia Green Belt” initiative.
He also addressed the role of critical minerals in economic development, noting the importance of processing and value-added production within the region.
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