Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade Discusses Private Sector Financing and Green Energy with AIIB

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 10 February, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, held his first official meeting with Zou Jiayi, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), congratulating her on her appointment and noting the symbolic significance of her first visit to Central Asia as head of the Bank.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that Uzbekistan remains AIIB’s largest partner in the region, accounting for 51% of the Bank’s operations in Central Asia. In terms of transaction volume, the country ranks sixth globally within the AIIB. The portfolio of joint projects involving Uzbekistan exceeds US$7 billion. Notably, the 6th meeting of the AIIB Board of Governors was held in Samarkand in 2024.

The parties discussed priority areas for cooperation through 2030, including the expansion of non-sovereign financing for the private sector, support for public-private partnership projects, development of green energy, and implementation of the “From Poverty to Prosperity” program.

In addition, Laziz Kudratov invited Zou Jiayi to participate in the Tashkent International Investment Forum, scheduled for 16–19 June 2026, underscoring the importance of strengthening strategic partnership and further expanding investment cooperation between Uzbekistan and AIIB.