Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have discussed prospects for cooperation in infrastructure, energy, water management and private sector development.
The meeting between Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Jamshid Kuchkarov, and Imad Fakhoury, IFC Regional Vice President for the Middle East and Central Asia, took place on 15 October 2026 in Bangkok on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The meeting was reported by the Information Service and Communications Department of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Participants also included Lisa Kestner, IFC’s head for Kazakhstan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan, Nodirbek Ochilov, Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, Jasur Karshibaev, an adviser to the Minister of Economy and Finance, and other representatives.
The parties reviewed progress on economic reforms in Uzbekistan, their results and opportunities to expand mutually beneficial cooperation.
Particular attention was given to infrastructure development, support for private businesses and the use of public-private partnership mechanisms.
Potential initiatives discussed included the construction of a toll road between Tashkent and Andijan, modernisation of electricity distribution systems and irrigation pumping stations, public-private partnerships in water management, and the construction of general education schools in the regions.
Another focus of the talks was strengthening the role of the private sector and improving conditions for businesses.
Participants discussed the possibility of drawing on the IFC’s expertise to develop the mortgage market, privatise state-owned enterprises and improve the effectiveness of government support for businesses.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to strengthen cooperation in the areas discussed and continue exchanging views. The report did not specify implementation timelines or potential financing amounts.
