Uzbekistan, ADB sign US$12.5 billion partnership deal

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with a delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) led by its president Masato Kanda in Samarkand, where the parties discussed expanding strategic cooperation and signed a new partnership program through 2030.

At the start of the talks, the ADB president expressed appreciation to the Uzbek side for its support in organizing the 59th Annual Meeting of the Bank’s Board of Governors, currently taking place in Uzbekistan. During the meeting, it was noted that over more than 30 years of cooperation, ADB has become one of the country’s key strategic partners.

The portfolio of joint projects is valued at nearly US$16 billion, placing Uzbekistan among the bank’s largest partners in the region in terms of operations. Cooperation has included the implementation of projects to modernize railway and road infrastructure, develop the energy and social sectors, upgrade water supply and sewerage systems, and support agriculture and the private sector.

Particular attention was given to the new Partnership Program through 2030, which includes projects totaling US$12.5 billion. The president of Uzbekistan and the head of ADB emphasized the importance of their timely and effective implementation.

Agreements were reached to expand cooperation in several areas, including development of the mortgage market, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, youth and women’s entrepreneurship, poverty reduction measures, reforms in inclusive education and human capital development, the introduction of digital technologies, and modernization of infrastructure in special economic zones.

The parties also discussed advancing major regional infrastructure projects in Central Asia, highlighting the importance of strengthening ADB’s role in mobilizing financial resources.

The meeting concluded with a ceremony marking the exchange of the signed Partnership Program between Uzbekistan and the Asian Development Bank through 2030. President Mirziyoyev wished the bank’s leadership and team success in holding the Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors.