Mirziyoyev Receives World Bank Vice President Antonella Bassani

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a World Bank delegation led by Antonella Bassani, Vice President for the Europe and Central Asia region, on 29 June 2026. The delegation is visiting the country in connection with a meeting of the Bank's Swiss Constituency.

During the meeting, Antonella Bassani conveyed greetings and best wishes to Mirziyoyev from World Bank President Ajay Banga.

The parties discussed the further development of the strategic partnership with the World Bank Group in the context of ongoing structural reforms in Uzbekistan.

The high level of bilateral cooperation achieved in recent years was noted during the talks, highlighting the consistent implementation of agreements reached during Mirziyoyev's meeting with the World Bank President in New York in September last year.

According to current data, the portfolio of joint projects has exceeded US$15 billion. The Bank's regional office operates in Tashkent, and new financing instruments are being introduced.

The meeting emphasized the importance of preparing for the upcoming visits of the Bank's top management and joint events later this year. The initiative to develop a new long-term country cooperation program for socio-economic development was supported.

Special attention on the agenda was given to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, reducing poverty, privatizing state-owned enterprises, and implementing artificial intelligence across economic sectors.

Financing for the water sector, human capital development, and strengthening Uzbekistan's positions in international rankings were also named among the core priorities.