Water and Energy Resources in Central Asia : Utilization and Development Issues

Issues related to joint utilization of water resources and the water energy potential of the Aral Sea basin are increasingly arising as the focus of heated debate at summits of the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) and EurAsEC (Eurasian Economic Community). The reason for this is clear. Water is vital for Central Asian countries, and coordinating the shared utilization of water is becoming more and more problematic.The Eurasian Development Bank recognizes the problems of the water and energy sectors and is studying the possibility of participating in hydro energy projects in Central Asia that address the conflicting needs of the river states and advance integration in the region