ALMATY, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The economies of Eurasian countries are projected to grow by up to 9.3 percent in 2026, according to a report released by the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) at a press conference on Thursday.

The Macroeconomic Outlook for 2026-2028 said the combined gross domestic product (GDP) of the bank's seven member states is expected to expand by 2.3 percent in 2026. The fastest growth is forecast for Kyrgyzstan at 9.3 percent, followed by Tajikistan at 8.1 percent, Uzbekistan at 6.8 percent, and Kazakhstan at 5.5 percent. Armenia's GDP is projected to grow by 5.3 percent, while Belarus and Russia are projected to expand by 1.8 percent and 1.4 percent, respectively.

Inflation is expected to continue easing to 6.3 percent in 2026, supported by prudent monetary policy, the report said.

EDB analysts said commodity markets are likely to move in different directions, with oil prices edging lower, metals and gold remaining at elevated levels. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar is gradually losing its share in central bank reserves, although its role in international settlements remains stable.

According to the bank, the combined GDP of Central Asian countries in 2026 is expected to exceed 600 billion dollars, driven by strong investment activity and robust consumer demand. Inflation in the region is also forecast to moderate, creating conditions for lower interest rates.