Asia

Lee, Macron hold summit to discuss bilateral cooperation

Lee, Macron hold summit to discuss bilateral cooperation

07:35, 3 April 2026

Bears

Bear sightings in Japan begin to increase as hibernation ends

01:22, 3 April 2026

Recognition of friendship: Kazakhstan honors Mongolian envoy with Dostyk Order

Recognition of friendship: Kazakhstan honors Mongolian envoy with Dostyq Order

00:18, 3 April 2026

Yertugan Zeinullinov secures victory at Asian Boxing Championships

Yertugan Zeinullinov secures victory at Asian Boxing Championships

19:27, 2 April 2026

ADB Boosts Women’s Access to Affordable Housing, Promotes Green Mortgages in Kazakhstan News from Country Offices | 01 April 2026 SHARE THIS PAGE ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN (1 April 2026) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a 90 billion tenge ($173.6 million equivalent) loan to Otbasy Bank JSC to expand access to affordable housing finance for women and offer green mortgage products for low- to moderate-income households across Kazakhstan. The Promoting Inclusive and Green Housing Finance Project will provide residential mortgage financing to more than 2,000 eligible households, prioritizing women borrowers. It will also support the development of a green mortgage finance framework that can be replicated across Kazakhstan’s banking sector, encouraging the construction and financing of more affordable, energy-efficient housing. “Our partnership with Otbasy Bank on the Umai Program showed how access to affordable mortgages can change the lives of women and broaden their economic opportunities,” said ADB Country Director for Kazakhstan Utsav Kumar. “The new project takes the program’s success further by including green mortgage products that will help households reduce energy costs and promote sustainable housing.” Women compose over half of Kazakhstan’s population, yet they earn about 25% less than men on average. This persistent gender gap continues to limit their access to housing finance and underscores the need for a long-term solution. The high proportion of the country’s energy-intensive housing—estimated at more than 80%—also highlights the crucial role of green mortgage products in boosting energy efficiency and affordability for households. To further advance support, ADB also approved a $500,000 technical assistance—equally financed with Otbasy Bank—to strengthen Otbasy Bank’s capacity to assess and mitigate climate risks and integrate environmental, social, and governance risk management practices into its housing finance operations. Kazakhstan joined ADB in 1994. Since then, ADB has committed more than $8 billion in loans, grants, and technical assistance to support the country’s development across key sectors, including public sector management, transport, finance, and energy. ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.

ADB boosts women’s access to affordable housing, promotes green mortgages in Kazakhstan

09:11, 2 April 2026

Japan, France agree to expand cooperation on critical mineral supply chains

Japan, France agree to expand cooperation on critical mineral supply chains

00:14, 2 April 2026

Zhumakan

Kazakh cyclist Alisher Zhumakan secures second silver at Asian Championships

20:42, 30 March 2026

Foreign students needing Japanese language training triple in 20 years

Foreign students needing Japanese language training triple in 20 years

09:16, 30 March 2026

BTS scores 7th No. 1 album on Billboard 200 with 'Arirang'

BTS scores 7th No. 1 album on Billboard 200 with 'Arirang'

08:32, 30 March 2026

Kidneys

China’s voluntary organ donors surpass 7.3 million

01:22, 30 March 2026

India advancing AI-ready public data infrastructure for smarter governance

00:19, 30 March 2026

Kazakh athletes secure three medals at Asian Track Cycling Championships

Kazakh athletes secure three medals at Asian Track Cycling Championships

20:27, 29 March 2026

Mongolian People’s Party backs Uchral for Prime Minister with 99.7% vote

Mongolian People’s Party backs Uchral for Prime Minister with 99.7% vote

19:35, 29 March 2026

High-speed delivery: Japan launches 1st bullet train freight service

High-speed delivery: Japan launches 1st bullet train freight service

10:30, 29 March 2026

Mongolia's prime minister steps down

Mongolia's prime minister steps down

22:01, 28 March 2026

Cherry blossoms reach peak bloom in central Tokyo

Cherry blossoms reach peak bloom in central Tokyo

21:18, 28 March 2026

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on March 16, 2026 shows Shenzhou-21 astronauts performing extravehicular activities outside China's orbiting space station.

China plans human research program at space station

18:02, 28 March 2026

BTS hits No. 2 on British Official Chart with 'Swim,' crowns albums chart

BTS hits No.2 on British Official Chart with 'Swim,' crowns albums chart

16:09, 28 March 2026

Indonesia bans social media for under 16, first in Asia

11:49, 28 March 2026

Mongolia to open Consulate General in Sydney

Mongolia to open Consulate General in Sydney

05:07, 28 March 2026

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Asia is the largest continent in the world by both land area and population.