On January 18, 2021, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Jamshid Kuchkarov held a working meeting at the Ministry of Economic Development and Poverty Reduction with the World Bank Regional Director for Central Asia Lilia Burunchuk, who is in Tashkent on an official visit these days.

The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Finance - Timur Ishmetov, First Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Poverty Reduction - Ilkhom Norkulov, Deputy Minister of Finance - Akhadbek Khaidarov, Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank - Begzod Khamroev.

Representatives of the World Bank were informed about the progress of the implementation of key socio-economic reforms, as well as the tasks for 2021 to ensure macroeconomic stability, economic growth and well-being of the country's citizens, set by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the government in his recent Address to the Oliy Majlis.

The government's priorities in the field of economic development of the country this year were announced, including the implementation of the next stage of reforms aimed at creating conditions for the growth of the private sector and attracting private investment in various sectors.

The Uzbek side also outlined plans to invest public funds in various socio-economic spheres in the short and medium term. In the future, they could be supported by financing from the World Bank within the framework of the developed partnership program between Uzbekistan and this international financial institution for 2022-2026.

The sideses considered the implementation of projects implemented by the government of the country with the financial assistance of the World Bank, including projects in the development of socially significant infrastructure in rural areas, modernization of the social protection system, improving the efficiency of the real estate registration system and cadastre, etc.

During the meeting, representatives of the World Bank informed the Uzbek side about what is planned for February this year. Mr. Marie Pangestu, Managing Director for Development Policy and Partnerships, will visit in a virtual format. She will discuss with officials the provision of analytical and advisory services from the Bank to assist the government in the design and implementation of reforms in various sectors.

Following the meeting, the parties expressed their readiness to continue further fruitful cooperation with a view to further implementation of market reforms in Uzbekistan.

Source: Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan