Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 22 September, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sardor Umurzakov held a video conference with the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Bandar Al Hajjar.

During the negotiations, the parties discussed issues of further cooperation to ensure effective protection of the population during a pandemic, improve the health care system of Uzbekistan in order to improve the quality of diagnosis and treatment of infected people, as well as economic recovery after a global pandemic.

The IsDB President noted the high level of international recognition of an effective strategy to counter the pandemic and maintain macroeconomic stability, implemented under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

In this context, Bandar Al Hajjar expressed the readiness of the IsDB to provide comprehensive support to Uzbekistan in combating the spread of coronavirus and providing the necessary assistance to the population, using the capabilities of the Strategic Preparedness and Response Package (the total amount of which is US$2.3 billion) to finance the procurement of medical equipment and supplies for specialized clinics. In particular, the prospect of redirecting part of the Package's funds for the purchase of a centralized oxygen supply system in order to meet the needs of ventilators in operation in the country was considered.

Also, within the framework of the negotiations, issues of organizing and holding the 46th Annual Meeting of the IsDB Board of Governors in 2021 in Uzbekistan were discussed. 

The event will attract the attention of foreign business circles and the international community to the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan and the improving investment climate in the country, as well as expand multifaceted cooperation with the IsDB Group.

As a result of the negotiations, an agreement was reached to intensify interaction in all designated areas and establish close cooperation in preparing for the Annual Meeting of the IsDB Board of Governors in Uzbekistan.