During his working visit to Samarkand, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a high-level delegation led by Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda. This meeting held particular significance in terms of further deepening the strategic partnership between our country and the international financial institution.
At the beginning of the conversation, the ADB head expressed sincere gratitude to the leader of Uzbekistan for supporting the initiative to host the 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Samarkand, as well as for the practical assistance provided in organizing the event.
During the negotiations, the parties discussed key areas for further expanding the multifaceted and mutually beneficial partnership between Uzbekistan and the Asian Development Bank. It was emphasized that cooperation has reached a high level in recent years. It was noted that over the past 30 years, the ADB has become a reliable and long-term strategic partner for Uzbekistan.
Currently, the portfolio of projects being implemented amounts to nearly 16 billion dollars. At the same time, Uzbekistan has become one of the bank's largest partners in Central Asia in terms of operational volume.
Within the framework of this cooperation, large-scale projects have been implemented and are consistently continuing in a number of important areas, including the development of transport infrastructure, specifically the modernization of railways and highways, the renewal of the energy network, the improvement of the social sector, the enhancement of water supply and sewage systems, and support for agriculture and the private sector.
The parties emphasized the importance of the timely and effective implementation of projects with a total value of 12.5 billion dollars under the new partnership program through 2030. They also agreed to deepen cooperation in priority areas such as developing the mortgage market, supporting the private sector, encouraging youth and women's entrepreneurship, poverty reduction, expanding inclusive education, and developing human capital.
The discussion also focused on issues regarding the introduction of digital innovations, the modernization of infrastructure in special economic zones, and strengthening the ADB's leadership role in promoting major regional infrastructure projects in Central Asia.
At the end of the meeting, the head of state wished the leadership and team of the Asian Development Bank success in the Board of Governors meeting taking place in Samarkand. A ceremony was also held to exchange the partnership program between the parties through 2030.
For reference, the 59th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank's Board of Governors is being held in Samarkand from May 3 to May 6.
