Nikolai Podguzov, Chairman of the Management Board of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), has been awarded Kazakhstan's Dostyk Order, II Class, in recognition of contributions to international cooperation and relations between countries. The award was presented by Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov in Astana on October 23, 2026.
Following the award ceremony, Podguzov expressed gratitude to Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the country's government. He stated that the award recognizes the work of the entire Eurasian Development Bank team and its contributions to regional development.
"This award is a recognition of the achievements of the entire Eurasian Development Bank team. Behind every project we undertake are people who work every day to contribute to the prosperity of our region," Podguzov said.
He also highlighted Kazakhstan's role in the bank's operations and reaffirmed the EDB's commitment to supporting the country's economic development. According to Podguzov, the bank will continue financing major infrastructure projects, attracting investment to key economic sectors and supporting Kazakhstan's strategic initiatives.
"Kazakhstan holds a special place in the EDB's activities. We will continue to support Kazakhstan's strategic initiatives, finance major infrastructure projects, and attract investment to key sectors of the economy, contributing to the country's sustainable economic growth and the well-being of its people," he stated.
Podguzov added that the bank would continue working with all its shareholder countries to strengthen economic relations, implement joint investment initiatives and support sustainable development across the region.
The Dostyk Order, also known as the Order of Friendship, is one of Kazakhstan's highest state honors. It is awarded for contributions to mutual understanding and harmony in society, as well as achievements in strengthening peace, friendship and cooperation between nations. Podguzov received the second class of the order.
The Eurasian Development Bank is a multilateral development bank that invests in projects across Eurasia. Over its 20 years of operation, the bank has worked to strengthen economic ties and support development in its member countries. As of the end of June 2026, the EDB's cumulative investment portfolio comprised 348 projects with a total investment value of $22.1bn.
The portfolio primarily includes projects with an integration effect in several sectors, including transport infrastructure, digital systems, green energy, agriculture, manufacturing and mechanical engineering. The bank also incorporates the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into its operations.
As part of its Strategy for 2022–2026, the EDB is implementing three major regional initiatives. These include the Eurasian Transport Network, the Eurasian Agricultural Goods Distribution System and the Central Asian Water and Energy Complex. The projects form part of the bank's efforts to develop regional infrastructure, strengthen economic integration and support cooperation among its member countries.
The EDB stated that it will continue supporting Kazakhstan and other shareholder countries through investment projects and initiatives aimed at expanding economic cooperation and sustainable development.