Features

Strengthening Afghanistan’s fight against COVID-19

Aware of the threats of the coronavirus outbreak on the fragile health system and the economy, the World Bank moved quickly, fast-tracking a $100-million emergency grant on to help Afghanistan strengthen its public health preparedness.

World Bank supports Tajikistan’s transport connectivity and regional trade

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved the grant-financed Fourth Phase of the Central Asia Regional Links Program (CARs-4), which aims to enhance Tajikistan’s regional transport connectivity and facilitate cross-border trade

One region, one health: Preparing Central Asia for future pandemics

It is nothing new to suggest that regional cooperation in Central Asia holds significant potential for the region. Nor is it novel to recall the shared heritage and history, including the famous Silk Road, that links Central Asian countries.

In Georgia, initial successes fighting COVID-19 could lead to long-term gains

As Georgia’s economy gradually restarts, it has a unique opportunity to initiate a new era of growth that is more diversified and inclusive.

Another COVID-19 challenge: Saving Asia’s crucial infrastructure deals

The public-private partnerships used to finance roads, ports, hospitals and dozens of other infrastructure projects could be affected by the pandemic-induced financial crisis.

Ulaanbaatar–Darkhan Road: Road Safety Improvement

In January 2020, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) provided a $137 million loan to Mongolia for expansion of the 202-kilometer road between Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar and the third-largest municipality of Darkhan.

A new era of clean energy cooperation along the old Silk Road

The ancient web of connections that once made the Silk Road indispensable to world trade are making a comeback. Largely unnoticed, countries in Central Asia and South Asia are starting to implement a vision of working together on something just as vital to their economies – energy sharing.

It’s time for Central Asia to do whatever it takes to minimize the pandemic’s economic impact

Bold action is required by policy makers and central bankers to keep the region’s economies afloat and contain the pandemic.

EBRD and EU clients support the battle against coronavirus in Georgia

In regular times, one might struggle to find much in common between these three Georgian companies: Proservice, a leading ICT player; Nutrimax, an animal feed producer; and Materia, a famous fashion house. Nevertheless, during the coronavirus pandemic, all three are playing their part in the fight against the outbreak and its impact on the economy in Georgia.

Leading workwear manufacturer helps fight coronavirus pandemic in the Kyrgyz Republic

Faced with the coronavirus crisis, the Kyrgyz Republic declared a state of emergency in late March and shut down its economy. Aiko Seiko, an entrepreneurial EBRD client, decided to do its bit by producing personal protective equipment.