Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Government of Uzbekistan and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) have signed two agreements totaling US$299 million aimed at modernizing the education system and improving road infrastructure.

The signing ceremony took place during the AlUla Conference, dedicated to emerging market economies. The event was attended by the President of the IsDB Group, Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, and Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Jamshid Kuchkarov.

The first project, funded with US$160.25 million, focuses on enhancing the quality of education in Uzbekistan and is being implemented in partnership with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).

As part of this initiative, 58 modern inclusive schools will be built, equipped with laboratories, digital infrastructure, and new furniture. Additionally, 2,431 new classrooms will be constructed.

The project also includes curriculum updates emphasizing competency-based learning, improvements in teacher training and student assessment systems, and the introduction of inclusive education models.

By 2026, the initiative is expected to ensure equal access to quality education for all children across the country, laying a solid foundation for their future.

The second agreement allocates US$138.8 million for the reconstruction and modernization of the A373 highway, one of Uzbekistan’s key transport arteries.

The project aims to cut travel time by 50%, reducing it to 30 minutes by 2030, while also decreasing road accidents by 40%, bringing the number of incidents down to 24 per year. The existing four-lane road will be upgraded, significantly increasing its capacity.

These measures will not only enhance transport accessibility and road safety but will also contribute to the development of trade, tourism, and regional integration.