Eurasian Development Bank 371d ago

The Irtysh is more than a river — it is a shared strategic asset that links China, Kazakhstan, and Russia through water, energy, agriculture, and trade. 🔹 In China, the Irtysh sustains the fast-growing Xinjiang region, where the population has nearly doubled since 1990. 🔹 Kazakhstan relies on the Irtysh to support 30% of its population, irrigate 45% of agricultural land, and generate 10% of its electricity. 🔹 In Russia, the Irtysh is the main water source for Omsk. But this lifeline is under growing pressure. Without coordinated action, the Irtysh’s challenges could undermine regional security, food and energy resilience, and environmental sustainability. Our Chief Economist Evgeny Vinokurov outlines the concrete steps needed to address these risks. A cooperative, forward-looking approach can transform the Irtysh into a driver of green growth, water security, and regional integration. 🔗 Read more in the EDB report: https://eabr.org/en/analytics/special-reports/the-irtysh-river-basin-transboundary-challenges-and-practical-solutions/