The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) hosted a panel discussion titled “Mobilizing Finance for Sustainable Infrastructure” on April 29 at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). This event was part of a series of activities leading up to AIIB’s 10th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors, scheduled for June 24-26, 2025, in Beijing.
The discussion, organized by AIIB in partnership with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of National Economy and Ministry of Transport, along with key financial market participants, focused on boosting investment in resilient infrastructure and green projects within Kazakhstan. It also addressed how AIIB could strengthen its investment role in Kazakhstan and Central Asia by attracting private capital for sustainable infrastructure initiatives.
During the session, speakers and panelists emphasized the importance of collaboration between AIIB, multilateral development banks, commercial banks, and asset managers in driving sustainable and inclusive growth through infrastructure and green financing. These partnerships are vital for ensuring that projects are both economically viable and aligned with broader sustainability goals. The event also highlighted the growing importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, which are now key to responsible investment in infrastructure.
Key opening remarks were made by Konstantin Limitovskiy, AIIB’s Chief Investment Officer for Public Sector and Project and Corporate Finance; Satzhan Ablaliyev, Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Transport; and Evgeniya Bogdanova, CEO of the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA). Notable participants included Saadat Asanseitova, Director of International Economic Cooperation at Kazakhstan’s Ministry of National Economy; Zamira Sundetova, CEO of Skybridge Invest; and Wang Xianming, Senior Executive Officer of China Construction Bank’s AIFC branch, among other senior officials.
“As a multilateral development bank, AIIB is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between public sector priorities and private sector expertise in Kazakhstan. This approach enables us to drive critical infrastructure investments that are essential for the country’s sustainable economic growth,” said Limitovskiy. “Kazakhstan is already accelerating infrastructure and green investments, supported by proactive government policies and a dynamic private sector.”
Ablaliyev added, “The Government of Kazakhstan has made sustainable infrastructure and clean energy key pillars of our national development strategy. We highly value AIIB’s continued support in mobilizing the capital and expertise necessary to achieve this vision.”
Bogdanova stressed the importance of adaptable, future-proof infrastructure. “Infrastructure isn’t just about construction; it’s about creating opportunities. The infrastructure of tomorrow must offer long-term value and require innovative financing that rewards sustainability. At AFSA, we are committed to fostering this transition with a regulatory framework that supports a stable, transparent, and innovative financial environment. Our efforts are aimed at bolstering investor confidence and promoting responsible finance, particularly in sustainability and climate resilience.”
Kazakhstan, a founding member of AIIB, played a crucial role in the bank’s establishment, hosting the Chief Negotiators’ Meeting in Almaty in March 2015. To date, AIIB has funded seven projects in Kazakhstan, totaling over USD 2 billion. These projects span sectors such as transport, energy, and healthcare. Notable projects include the financing of the Zhanatas 100MW, Shokpar 100MW, and 220MW Akmolar wind power plants, as well as the reconstruction of the M-32 Highway (Aktobe-Karabutak-Ulgaisyn Section) and the Jezkazgan-Karagandy section of the Trans-Caspian international transport route.
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