Delays in rollout of vaccines could impact growth in Kyrgyzstan: ADB

AKIPRESS.COM - Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masatsugu Asakawa reaffirmed ADB's support for the Kyrgyz Republic in a virtual meeting held July 7 with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Economy and Finance for the Kyrgyz Republic Akylbek Japarov. "Disruption from the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to present significant risks to the Kyrgyz Republic's economic recovery and any further waves of the disease or delays in the rollout of vaccines could impact growth," said Mr. Asakawa. "ADB is committed to continuing our support to the Kyrgyz Republic, particularly on sustainable growth, inclusion, and regional cooperation. We are also ready to support reforms in the energy, transport, and social protection sectors."
Mr. Asakawa and Mr. Japarov, who is the Kyrgyz Republic's governor to ADB, discussed ADB's planned operations in the country including projects to promote economic diversification and manage the risks of landslides. To ensure a sustainable recovery, Mr. Asakawa emphasized the importance of the government's commitment to enhancing the investment climate.
Under its operational program for 2021, ADB will support structural and economic reforms in the Kyrgyz Republic, including in the power sector, where the bank will continue to encourage the government to promote sustainability and energy efficiency.
ADB is preparing its country partnership strategy (CPS) for 2023-2027, which will align with the country's medium-term national strategy. Under the current CPS, ADB is supporting economic diversification, infrastructure development, access to public and social services, employment generation, and promoting climate resilience.
Mr. Asakawa commended the government's successful implementation of its anti-crisis measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, ADB approved more than $70 million in COVID-19 response support for the Kyrgyz Republic. This included a $50 million loan and grant financing package approved in May, and $20 million in emergency assistance to strengthen the health sector approved in June.
Through technical assistance, ADB also helped to supply personal protective equipment, oxygen concentrators, and ventilators during the peak of the pandemic in April to July 2020. The bank prepared a joint socioeconomic study with the United Nations Development Programme on the impact of the pandemic on poor and vulnerable communities in the Kyrgyz Republic.