Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and the World Bank have discussed measures to accelerate economic growth, create jobs and attract private investment.
These issues were central to a meeting between Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Jamshid Kuchkarov, and Antonella Bassani, World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia.
The talks took place on 15 October 2026 in Bangkok 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 Sajjad Shah, the World Bank’s Director for Strategy and Operations, Charles Cormier, Regional Director for Infrastructure, 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 economic and financial trends in Uzbekistan, ongoing reforms and priorities for further cooperation. Particular attention was given to the New Growth Program for Jobs, which aims to accelerate economic development and improve public welfare.
Discussions covered ways to boost labour productivity, develop human capital and professional skills, expand exports of higher-value-added products and encourage private investment.
Another area of focus was support for small and medium-sized businesses, including women-owned enterprises and startups established by young people.
The participants also discussed pension system reform, including improvements to pension fund management and the development of a legal framework for private and corporate pension funds.
Following the talks, the parties agreed to continue cooperation in the areas discussed. The ministry’s statement did not specify any new projects, financing amounts or implementation timelines.
