The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $22.58 million Small Expenditure Financing Facility (SEFF) to support the Kyrgyz Republic in strengthening its project preparation and implementation capacities.
The SEFF will provide technical assistance and financing for various projects in key sectors, including public transport, energy, urban development, and health. The first project to be supported under the SEFF will focus on expanding the electric bus fleet and dedicated busways in Bishkek, contributing to improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
“It is important that we implement strategically planned, well-designed projects with meaningful positive impacts,” said ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Yevgeniy Zhukov. “This facility will ensure that ADB-financed projects respond to the needs of the country and improve access to public services for poor and vulnerable households.”
The Kyrgyz Republic is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with its economy heavily reliant on agriculture and hydropower. The SEFF will support projects that address climate change challenges, such as improving energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy, and enhancing water resource management.
The Kyrgyz Republic is highly vulnerable to climate change because its economy is closely tied to agriculture and hydropower, which are affected by climate risks. The SEFF will help prepare projects contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation, notably through improved building energy efficiency, public transport, renewable energy generation, and water supply.
“The SEFF is an innovative modality as it enables flexibility in project preparation, pilot testing, and capacity development,” said ADB Economist and project co-team leader Jules Hugot. “The project will help pilot-test advanced technologies and innovative project financing and implementation approaches to help reduce project life-cycle costs, improve service efficiency and quality, and minimize negative environmental and social impacts”.
