Kyrgyzstan Engages with World Bank on Economic Strategies

Washington, USA, April 14, 2026 — Adylbek Kasymaliev, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, engaged in significant talks with Anna Bjerde, the Managing Director for Operations at the World Bank. This meeting occurred during the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Washington.

The discussions encompassed a variety of bilateral cooperation avenues, emphasizing economic reforms, infrastructure advancements, and sustainable development strategies in Kyrgyzstan.

Kasymaliev pointed out the nation’s robust economic performance, revealing an average annual growth rate of 10.2% over the last four years. He projected that GDP growth could hit 11.1% in 2025, showcasing the beneficial outcomes of the ongoing reforms.

He also underlined that in 2025, over 273,000 new jobs were generated, spurred by reforms and bolstered investor confidence. Fixed capital investments surged by 18.4% from 2024, demonstrating strong economic vitality and public optimism.

Kyrgyzstan expressed interest in adopting best practices globally, including the UAE’s “Government Accelerators” model and Japan’s “One Village - One Product” initiative aimed at enhancing rural growth and exports. Kasymaliev provided updates on the Kambar-Ata-1 hydropower project, a crucial priority for the nation.

He raised alarms about climate issues affecting mountainous areas, which house over 15% of the global population and deliver up to 80% of the world’s freshwater. He cautioned that glacier recession, land degradation, and escalating disaster risks jeopardize long-term sustainability and water availability.

In response, Bjerde commended Kyrgyzstan's reform endeavors and conveyed strong backing for agricultural, green energy, and regional growth initiatives. She stressed the significance of developing human capital, including enhancements in education, healthcare, and workforce capabilities.

Both parties concluded their meeting by reaffirming their dedication to enhancing collaboration. They agreed to broaden joint initiatives in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and industry, ensuring continuous dialogue to tackle critical economic challenges.