EBRD and Uzbekistan discuss expanding cooperation and new projects in infrastructure and energy

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 16 October, in Washington (USA), on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Odile Renaud-Basso met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan Jamshid Kuchkarov.

The meeting was attended by EBRD First Vice President Jürgen Rigterink, Vice President Matteo Patrone, Managing Director for Financial Institutions Francis Malige, Director of the President’s Office Vincent Pringle, Chairman of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan Timur Ishmetov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Ilkhomjon Umrzakov, and other senior officials.

During the talks, the parties discussed the expansion of bilateral cooperation, the current macroeconomic situation in Uzbekistan, medium-term economic prospects, and priority areas of economic policy.

Special attention was given to developing public-private partnership mechanisms, implementing new infrastructure and energy projects, supporting startups in artificial intelligence and digital technology, and expanding the innovation ecosystem.

The sides also discussed the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the mobilization of grant resources under the “Champion” program.

It was noted that the partnership between the Government of Uzbekistan and the EBRD has entered a new stage, with a focus on enhancing the effectiveness of ongoing projects and expanding cooperation in innovative areas.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation aimed at deepening economic reforms, stimulating private sector activity, and implementing new investment initiatives.