Mirziyoyev Discusses Cooperation with EBRD

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 18 June, as part of the regular session of the Foreign Investors Council, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with a delegation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development led by its President, Odile Renaud-Basso.

The talks addressed the current state and prospects for further expanding practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EBRD, as well as strengthening a full-scale partnership in the context of implementing the reform programme in the New Uzbekistan.

It was noted that the level of strategic cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EBRD has reached an unprecedented high. Uzbekistan is currently the EBRD's largest partner in the region, with a combined project portfolio exceeding US$7 billion. The bulk of the investment is directed towards supporting the private sector.

The meeting also noted the signing of new agreements in a number of priority areas, including the development of environmentally friendly transport, the digitalisation of railway infrastructure, and support for entrepreneurship, the mortgage market and the startup ecosystem.

Among the key priorities for this year are expanding lending to small and medium-sized businesses, including export financing, implementing programmes to train women and young people in entrepreneurial skills, and participating in the transformation of the agrifood sector and the banking and financial system.

In addition, plans to develop public-private partnership projects in education, healthcare and transport infrastructure were supported. Particular attention was given to engaging EBRD experts in improving mechanisms for preparing and implementing investment projects.

The agenda for the upcoming fourth meeting of the Foreign Investors Council was also discussed.