IsDB and Uzbekistan Sign Agreements to Finance Infrastructure and Education

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On the sidelines of the Second Conference on Emerging Market Economies, held in AlUla, financing agreements were signed between the Islamic Development Bank and Uzbekistan aimed at developing the country’s transport infrastructure and social sector.

The documents were signed by IsDB President Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan Jamshid Kuchkarov.

Prior to the signing ceremony, the parties held bilateral talks during which they discussed the expansion of partnership between the IsDB and Uzbekistan. The discussions focused on deepening cooperation and accelerating the implementation of projects with high socio-economic returns that align with Uzbekistan’s national development priorities.

The first agreement provides for financing in the amount of US$70 million as part of the Islamic Development Bank’s total commitment of US$192 million for the reconstruction of the 4R40 Dashtobod–Zamin–Bakhmal–Gallyaaral highway. The funds will be used to modernize 143 kilometers of the regional 4R40 road, as well as to rehabilitate 30 kilometers of local and rural roads in Jizzakh Region.

The project is designed to eliminate transport bottlenecks and improve road safety for approximately 200,000 residents of the region. Upgrading this access route to the international M39 transport corridor is expected to enhance access to markets and social services, while also creating conditions for unlocking the area’s economic and tourism potential.

The second agreement secures financing of US$94.06 million under the SmartEd project and forms part of the IsDB’s total contribution of US$160.25 million. The initiative предусматривает the construction and equipping of 58 new educational institutions, as well as the creation of 2,431 classrooms within existing schools across the country.

The SmartEd project is aimed at building an inclusive, competency-oriented education system. It is expected to serve 72,930 students annually and provide specialized training for more than 36,115 teachers and administrative staff.

IsDB President Muhammad Al Jasser reaffirmed the Bank’s readiness to continue supporting Uzbekistan through effective and targeted cooperation. Jamshid Kuchkarov, in turn, welcomed the continuation of the partnership, emphasizing that sustainable investment in transport connectivity and human capital is a key driver of the country’s long-term and stable economic growth.