OPEC Fund signs US$50 million in financing to support reforms and expand water access in Kyrgyz Republic

September 22, 2025: The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) has signed two new loan agreements with the Kyrgyz Republic totaling US$50 million to strengthen essential services and advance inclusive, sustainable growth. The agreements were concluded during a high-level mission to Bishkek by OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, who is also holding talks with senior officials to deepen the partnership.

OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said:

"The OPEC Fund is proud to expand its cooperation with the Kyrgyz Republic with a continued focus on people, resilience and opportunity. From improving water and sanitation to advancing policy reforms, our support is designed to deliver long-term benefits for communities and the wider economy."

A US$20 million loan for the Water Supply and Sanitation Universal Access Program Phase 1, will expand and modernize water supply systems in 126 rural villages across Chui, Issyk-Kul and Osh regions, benefiting around 450,000 people. The project will also finance improved sanitation facilities for vulnerable households and public institutions. The OPEC Fund is co-financing this initiative with the World Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

A US$30 million policy-based loan for the First Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Development Program - the OPEC Fund's first such operation in the Kyrgyz Republic. It will support key reforms in the energy sector, enhance social services, strengthen fiscal sustainability and improve the business environment.

During the mission, President Alkhalifa is also visiting OPEC Fund-financed projects, including the Bishkek-Torugart Road Reconstruction Project in Naryn Region, which is enhancing connectivity and boosting economic activities in remote areas.

The OPEC Fund has been a partner to the Kyrgyz Republic since 1997, with nine public sector projects approved to date across transport, health, education and water, totaling nearly US$100 million. The newly signed agreements mark a significant step forward in the OPEC Fund's support for national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.

About the OPEC Fund

The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education. To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$30 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of more than US$200 billion. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Outlook Stable by Fitch and S&P Global Ratings. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.