Financing and operationalization of cross-border regional projects is a complex venture. The costs and benefits associated with these projects vary at national and regional level which generates different incentives among stakeholders in bringing these projects to fruition. However, most of these projects have high socio-economic return and could generate large private returns if structured and implemented properly. The financing of cross-border projects often also requires multitude of stakeholders ranging for national governments, international financial institutions, and private investors. Coordinating multiple sources of funding through a suitable mechanism to finance the entire project lifecycle requires innovative financing modalities.

This event would focus on sharing experiences, approaches and knowledge of stakeholders in successfully financing regional infrastructure projects. It will also highlight IsDB’s flagship Regional Infrastructure Supranational Entity (RISE) model, a new innovative structure, to demonstrate how it can be structured to finance the “Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar” Railway Construction Project.  The landmark project will synergize the railway infrastructure of the three countries, providing access to landlocked Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to the seaports of Pakistan, and effectively connecting the Central-Asia to South-Asia and beyond.