Uzbekistan and IMF Discuss Macroeconomic Stability and Public Finance Management Reform

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 16 October, as part of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan Jamshid Kuchkarov met with Jihad Azour, Director of the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the IMF and Uzbekistan, including Deputy Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department and IMF Resident Representative for Uzbekistan Athanasios Arvanitis, IMF Mission Chief for Uzbekistan Yassir Abdykh, Chairman of the Central Bank Timur Ishmetov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Ilkhomjon Umrzakov, and other officials.

During the talks, the parties exchanged views on Uzbekistan’s current macroeconomic situation and medium-term development prospects.

They discussed the results of the 2025 Article IV consultations, measures to strengthen fiscal discipline, and the implementation of recommendations aimed at ensuring macroeconomic stability.

Particular attention was given to efforts to reduce the shadow economy and advance the Public Financial Management Reform Strategy for 2025–2030.

The parties also reviewed promising areas of cooperation, including the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies in economic governance and public finance management.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants reaffirmed their readiness to further deepen constructive engagement between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the IMF.

The importance of maintaining macroeconomic stability, strengthening institutional capacity, and developing an open and competitive economy was underscored.

Both sides agreed to continue regular dialogue on key reform areas that contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.