ADB and Karakalpakstan sign updated memorandum focusing on economic corridor

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Republic of Karakalpakstan on Wednesday signed an updated memorandum of understanding to promote the region's socio-economic development. The document was signed by Kanokpan Lao-Arai, director of the ADB Resident Mission in Uzbekistan, and Azhiniyaz Kaipnazarov, deputy chairman of the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan.

The ceremony took place at Berdakh Karakalpak State University as part of the opening of ADB Days in Karakalpakstan. The memorandum was prepared under a presidential decree adopted specifically for Karakalpakstan, which calls for a regional development strategy based on an “economic growth corridor” approach.

The memorandum includes 32 current and prospective projects. Projects in active implementation exceed $700 million in total value, while the sum of prospective projects is not specified. Lao-Arai said the new document differs only slightly from the memorandum signed in May 2025. Priorities include renewable energy, water supply, social projects and small business finance. Regional connectivity along the A380 highway, which ADB sees as aligned with the Middle Corridor, remains a key priority, and ADB intends to go beyond roads to develop an economic corridor with services, schools and cross-border export infrastructure.