Tashkent to Host IDA Conference With 100 Countries

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A conference of the International Development Association (IDA) will be held in Tashkent in December 2026, bringing together representatives from around 100 countries, according to an announcement made following an international roundtable in the Uzbek capital.

The roundtable, titled “International Development Association: Promoting Sustainable Economic Growth in Uzbekistan and the World,” was organized by the Center for Economic Research and Reforms in cooperation with the World Bank Office in Uzbekistan.

Participants included Obid Khakimov, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Economic Policy and Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms; Akihiko Nishio, World Bank Vice President for Development Finance overseeing the International Development Association; as well as members of the diplomatic corps, international organizations, and academic and expert communities.

Discussions focused on the role of the International Development Association in promoting sustainable economic growth, the implementation of IDA-funded projects in Uzbekistan, and prospects for further cooperation in socio-economic and infrastructure development.

It was noted that following large-scale reforms under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan’s cooperation with international development institutions has reached a new level. Over the past 10 years, the World Bank’s project portfolio in Uzbekistan has increased more than threefold, from US$1.8 billion in 2016 to US$5.5 billion as of May 2026. More than 60% of allocated funds have been directed to projects implemented under the International Development Association.

In remarks to participants, Obid Khakimov said international financial institutions have a high level of trust in ongoing reforms in the country. He added that cooperation with the World Bank and other partners includes not only financial support but also analytical assistance for key reforms.

Attention was also given to socio-economic development results. It was noted that Uzbekistan’s gross domestic product increased from US$54 billion in 2017 to US$147 billion in 2025, with projections suggesting it could reach US$180 billion in 2026.

Akihiko Nishio praised the results of reforms in Uzbekistan, saying the country is among the leading economies in the Europe and Central Asia region in terms of growth rates, and that poverty levels have significantly declined in recent years.

Participants also discussed the impact of concessional financing on socio-economic programmes, future support for reforms, and priority areas of cooperation, including energy, water management, agriculture, and macroeconomic stability.

A key outcome of the event was the announcement that Tashkent will host the IDA international conference in December 2026. The forum is expected to bring together representatives from around 100 countries, including donor and recipient nations, as well as leading international development organizations.

It was emphasized that hosting such a large-scale event in Uzbekistan represents recognition of the country’s reform progress and will provide an opportunity to present its socio-economic transformation experience to the international community.

The conference is expected to serve as an important platform for discussing sustainable development, poverty reduction, climate issues, and improving the effectiveness of international development financing mechanisms.