Published
04/14/2026, 17:46In Washington, on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, Kyrgyzstan’s Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev held talks with World Bank Managing Director Anna Bjerde, during which the initiative to support mountainous countries was a key focus.
The Kyrgyz side called for exploring the possibility of creating a global financial instrument for investments in mountain regions through a partnership between the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility.
According to Kasymaliev, mountainous areas play a critical role in the global ecosystem. They are home to more than 15% of the world’s population and account for 60–80% of freshwater reserves. At the same time, these regions are the most vulnerable to climate change.
“The rapid melting of glaciers, land degradation, and increased risks of natural disasters pose threats to water security and the sustainable development of mountain countries,” he emphasized, justifying the need to create a specialized international financial mechanism.
In addition, the parties discussed Kyrgyzstan’s current economic development. The Prime Minister noted that over the past four years, average annual economic growth has been 10.2%, and in 2025, GDP increased by 11.1%. Reforms have also contributed to the creation of more than 273,000 jobs and an 18.4% increase in fixed capital investment.
Special attention was paid to the implementation of major infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1, as well as the development of rural regions, green energy, and human capital.
The World Bank has positively assessed the reforms being implemented in the country and expressed its readiness to support Kyrgyzstan’s initiatives, including projects in the fields of education, healthcare, and workforce training.
