For reference: The representative office of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development officially resumed its activities in Uzbekistan in November 2017. In 2018, the Republic of Uzbekistan and the EBRD signed loan agreements for an amount of $ 382.5 million, for 5 months of 2019 for an amount of $ 240 million. EBRD projects focus on small business, financial sector, transport infrastructure and energy.

Suma Chakrabarti in his speech emphasized the readiness of the EBRD to support the implementation of reforms in Uzbekistan.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the dynamics of economic transformations and recent reforms undertaken in Uzbekistan. The importance of developing public-private partnership was underlined, along with the question of the further privatization of state-owned enterprises and banks. It was also proposed to continue and accelerate the implementation of the Tashkent-Samarkand toll highway project until 2023.

The need to introduce corporate management methods in state-owned companies was also discussed and the matter of attracting an international consultant for this purpose defined.

In conclusion, a Memorandum of Understanding in respect of Strategic cooperation on reforming the mining sector of the Republic of Uzbekistan between the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan, State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on geology and mineral resources and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development was signed.