The European Investment Bank (EIB) has opened a Regional Representation for Central Asia in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and is exploring a pipeline of potential operations in the country worth up to €1 billion, the bank announced on 18 June 2026. The office, inaugurated by EIB Vice-President Marek Mora, will support investments in transport, climate action, energy, digital connectivity, health, and critical raw materials, aligning with the EU's Global Gateway strategy. The EIB's total project pipeline across Central Asia approaches €3 billion, including support for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and major hydropower developments such as Rogun and Kambarata-1.
Mora said the decision to open the office reflected the rapid changes in Central Asia and strong demand for high-quality investment. "Being on the ground helps us move faster, work more closely with our partners and turn ideas into projects," he stated. The EIB has been active in Central Asia since 2009, with operations signed in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. At the first EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand in April 2025, EIB Global announced new initiatives in partnership with the EU and Team Europe. Since a Framework Agreement was signed in 2017, Uzbekistan has become an important partner for EIB Global. The bank is now working with the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade (MIIT) on projects supporting Uzbekistan's 2030 Strategy, including green transport along the Trans-Caspian Corridor, clean energy transition, digital connectivity, healthcare supply chains, and critical raw materials value chains. Potential financing instruments include sovereign and sub-sovereign lending, public-private partnerships, private sector financing, equity investments, and blended finance. Alongside lending, EIB Global is expanding advisory work, exemplified by a Declaration of Intent signed with JSC "Uzsuvtaminot" during the Tashkent International Investment Forum to explore advisory support for the Surum Wastewater Treatment Plant PPP project, a 300,000 m³ per day facility expected to improve sanitation in Tashkent.
Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov welcomed the office opening, stating it brings new expertise and financing opportunities. EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar said the stronger EIB presence will help translate Global Gateway priorities into concrete projects and reflects the EU's long-term commitment to deepening cooperation with the region.