ADB Chief Calls Uzbekistan Key Partner in Energy Shift

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Masato Kanda, expressed deep appreciation to Uzbekistan for hosting the bank’s 59th Annual Meeting in Samarkand and described the country as an indispensable participant in two major regional initiatives announced on Sunday.

Speaking to journalists, he said Tashkent’s readiness to host the event amid heightened instability in the Middle East demonstrated Uzbekistan’s strength and resilience.

“I highly value the efforts of the government and people of Uzbekistan, which made this possible despite unprecedented uncertainty,” Kanda said, adding that the historical significance of Samarkand provided a fitting setting for such a large-scale gathering.

According to the ADB president, Uzbekistan has remained a reliable partner of the bank for many years, with relations characterized by a high level of trust and steady cooperation. He said the bank is firmly committed to expanding support for the country across multiple areas, including regional cooperation and integration.

Kanda particularly emphasized that Uzbekistan is an integral part of both initiatives presented at the meeting — the Pan-Asia Grid Integration Initiative and the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway. He said both programs are directly aimed at strengthening Uzbekistan’s energy and digital connectivity with neighboring countries, which is especially important for a landlocked nation.

Responding to a question on the social dimension of infrastructure projects, Kanda said improved connectivity is itself a tool for reducing inequality. Expanding access to energy and the internet opens business opportunities and provides people in remote areas with basic public services that were previously out of reach.

At the same time, he stressed that ADB will go beyond infrastructure development and strengthen direct support for social protection and human capital development in Uzbekistan.

“Infrastructure is a crucial part of our work. But our ultimate mission is to improve people’s lives, especially the poorest and most vulnerable,” Kanda said, describing this principle as the guiding foundation for a comprehensive, sustainable and inclusive partnership with Uzbekistan.