Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 30 September, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a World Bank delegation led by Vice President Anna Bjerde, who is in our country as part of the Tashkent Economic Forum program.

At the meeting, issues of implementation of priority projects of strategic partnership of Uzbekistan with this leading international financial institution were discussed.

The practical results of interaction over the period after the visit of the Bank’s delegation to our country in May this year were noted with satisfaction.

In particular, a joint "road map" was adopted and is currently being successfully implemented, working groups have been formed in the main areas of cooperation.

The provision of concessional loans in the amount of US$540 million was approved for the implementation of projects for the development of medium-sized cities, the modernization of the electricity sector, and the improvement of tax administration.

In total, the current portfolio includes 26 projects with US$4.8 billion in World Bank financing.

The results of joint work on the preparation of methodological foundations for combating poverty, support for investment projects of the private sector, promotion of the reform of state enterprises and the development of solar energy in Uzbekistan were also considered.

The effectiveness of the "Country Platform" of cooperation with international financial institutions, launched at the initiative of the World Bank, was noted.

Vice-President Anna Bjerde highly appreciated the progress of reforms in New Uzbekistan, which, according to her, have become irreversible.

The readiness of the World Bank to expand support for reforms aimed at improving the level and quality of life of the population in the country was emphasized.

During the conversation, an agreement was reached on the preparation and adoption of a new five-year Country Cooperation Program.

The priorities identified are such strategic directions as poverty reduction, support for education and the social sphere, digitalization and the transition to a "green economy", continued transformation of state-owned enterprises, accelerated industrialization and modernization of infrastructure in the regions, intensive development of agriculture, including through widespread implementation innovation and advanced drip irrigation technology.

The initiative of the World Bank representatives to form a new multilateral Platform for Dialogue of Women Entrepreneurs in the region was supported.

A schedule of upcoming events and contacts was considered, and priority steps were agreed to accelerate joint projects.