Key Facts:
Client: Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Location: Kyrgyzstan, All Provinces of Uzbekistan
Status: Ongoing
Sector: Agriculture
Start date: 01/01/2023
End date: Ongoing

Project Information:
The main objective of the project is to enhance the horticulture sector in the Kyrgyz Republic by providing long-term financial resources through a loan channeled via qualified financial institutions. These funds will support horticulture-related value chain businesses in investing in critical infrastructure, including refrigerated vehicles, cold storage facilities, primary processing, and value addition equipment, as well as essential fixed assets. By addressing financial constraints within the Kyrgyz banking system, the project aims to strengthen the delivery of quality horticultural products, create sustainable enterprises, increase employment opportunities, and improve household incomes in the region.
The outcome of the proposed project will be supplies of fresh and processed horticultural produce on domestic and international markets increased. The project will have two outputs: (i) lending by participating financial institutions (PFIs) to support horticulture value chain development increased, and (ii) horticulture value chains strengthened.

Project Activities:

• Reviewed the prevailing Kyrgyz legal and regulatory framework in relation to the agriculture sector and assessed its compliance with ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement 2009;
• Conducted overall environmental risk assessments related to potential subprojects to be financed under the project for reference by PFIs during subloan appraisal and monitoring;
• Prepared a draft ESMS for the project to comply with ADB’s SPS requirements;
• Conducted training for the PFIs’ staff on using the ESMS in subloan appraisal and approval; and
• Supported the Team Leader in addressing technical issues raised during the review of the project design and RRP by ADB and the government.