Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and the World Bank Group have discussed prospects for economic growth, attracting private investment and creating new jobs.
These issues were addressed on 16 October in Bangkok at a meeting between Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Jamshid Kuchkarov, and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga.
The talks took place on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, according to the Information Service and Communications Department of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Participants also included Anna Bjerde, the World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, Imad Fakhoury, the International Finance Corporation’s Regional Vice President for the Middle East and Central Asia, 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 Uzbekistan’s macroeconomic trends, progress on ongoing reforms and opportunities to expand cooperation with the World Bank Group.
Particular attention was given to areas that could support sustainable economic growth and broaden the country’s economic opportunities. Discussions covered infrastructure and energy development, agribusiness, healthcare and tourism, as well as increasing the production of higher-value-added goods.
Other topics included the AgriConnect initiative, which focuses on agricultural development, and the Water Compact programme, aimed at improving water resource management.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue cooperation and expand initiatives in the areas discussed.
