Representatives of development banks explained how businesses can participate in IDB projects
Almaty, 26 June 2026.
A session titled "From Idea to Contract – Practical Approaches to Participating in MDB-Financed Projects" took place on the second day of the EDB's Annual Meeting and Business Forum. The event was held in partnership with. DevelopmentAid, one of the leading platforms providing up-to-date and critically relevant information for donors, agencies, consultancies, non-government agencies, and individuals working in the international development sector.The session was moderated by Mariana Bastron, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Donor Relations Department at DevelopmentAid.
The session featured a practice-oriented discussion on how companies can successfully enter the MDB project market and establish relationships with multilateral development banks. Participants examined the characteristics of winning bids and shared practical insights on how businesses can strengthen their competitiveness in procurement processes.
Yorkinjon Alimov, Senior Procurement Specialist at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), stated that under the bank's current strategy, priority investment areas include green infrastructure, connectivity and regional cooperation, technology infrastructure, and private capital mobilization. The bank is also interested in environmental impact assessment services and financial strategy development. The expert advised joining projects at the earliest stages.
Shukhrat Khojaev, Regional Procurement Officer at the Islamic Development Bank, explained that procurement strategy and procurement plans are largely dependent on the overall market and risk assessments which are done at the project inception. His recommendation to the companies is to follow the procurement notice advertisements throguh the early market engagement and to participate in pre-bid meetings. In case companies do not have sufficient experience they can participate as sub-contractors or through joint ventures.
Galiya Ismakova, Director for Procurement, Portfolio and Financial Management Department at the Asian Development Bank, noted that most projects in Kazakhstan are concentrated in the transport sector; however, the bank is planning to diversify its portfolio. Logistics, transport, urban and municipal services, access to finance, and digitalization will remain among the priority areas. Bidding information is published on the ADB Business Centre portal, and there is also a separate platform for consultants, Galiya Ismakova noted.
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