Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - It should be noted the close and fruitful cooperation of the World Bank (WB) with the Republic of Uzbekistan in the development of reforms of key sectors of the economy.

The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan jointly with the WB is developing a project “Support for a large-scale reform of gas tariffs in Uzbekistan”, implemented in accordance with the order of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 02 / 103-183 from 20 November 2019.

On 16-17 January, during the visit of the World Bank Vice President for the Europe and Central Asia Region Cyril Muller to Tashkent, a meeting was held with the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, representatives of the government and parliament, at which Uzbekistan’s achievements in transforming the national economy were noted.

During the meetings, Cyril Muller reiterated the bank’s intentions to support the next stage of reforms in the country. This is evidenced by the visit to Tashkent from 3-13 February by a delegation of energy professionals, led by WB’s leading specialist on energy issues, Husam Beydes.

The purpose of the delegation’s visit is to provide technical assistance in developing a roadmap and work plan for implementing reforms in the gas sector of Uzbekistan, regulating natural gas tariffs and supporting the development of a preliminary concept of supervisory control and data collection (SCADA) and the transition to international financial reporting standards (IFRS) in the gas sector.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the reform of the tariff policy in the republic for natural gas and its transportation through the introduction of advanced international calculation methods.

It was emphasized that achieving financial stability for oil and gas entities will depend on the establishment of a new tariff regime for natural gas.

During the visit, World Bank experts will hold meetings with government departments, including Uztransgaz JSC, and strategic consulting firms to establish working relationships and collect data.

Upon completion of the launch mission, the consultants will prepare a brief initial report, which will summarize the results, suggest changes to the program of work and identify obstacles to fulfilling the assignment.