IsDB and ARIS: Discussion on project preparation and further cooperation in the water supply sector
From January 26 to 30, 2026, an Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Mission was held to discuss the preparation of a new project and prospects for further cooperation.
During the Mission, working meetings and consultations were held, including a field visit to the Jalal-Abad province. During the field visits, meetings were held with representatives of local governments, local communities, and other stakeholders. The Mission participants were familiarized with potential project sites and the current state of infrastructure.
The Islamic Development Bank delegation included:
• Rustam Eshonkhujaev — Operations Team Leader, Task Team Leader;
• Muhammad Siraj Najubudeen — Senior Islamic Principles Financing Specialist;
• Bakhodir Mirzaev — Senior Global Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist;
• Ruslan Tatikov — IsDB representative in the Kyrgyz Republic.
From the Community Development and Investment Agency the following were participated in the working meetings:
• Mars Naspekov — Executive Director;
• Asel Mambetkulova — Deputy Executive Director;
• Timur Maralbaev — RWSSIP BT Project Coordinator.
In addition, relevant specialists from the Islamic Development Bank and the Community Development and Investment Agency were involved in the Mission's work.
As part of the Mission, meetings were held with representatives of relevant ministries and agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic. During these meetings, the government's strategic priorities in the water supply and sanitation sector, the project's alignment with national and sectoral strategies, institutional implementation mechanisms, and financing issues, including the use of blended financing models and the project's inclusion in the Public Investment Program, were discussed.
During the discussions, the parties reviewed the key parameters and prospects of the new project, its expected socioeconomic impact, as well as possible mechanisms for implementation, monitoring, and institutional interaction. Particular attention was paid to issues of sustainable development, improving infrastructure quality, environmental and social safeguards, empowering women and youth, and strengthening the partnership between government agencies and the implementing agency.
Following the Mission's conclusions, further steps were identified to continue interaction and address issues related to the preparation and subsequent project implementation.
