EBRD President meets Mirziyoyev to strengthen cooperation with Uzbekistan

On April 3, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), as part of the business agenda of the first “Central Asia – European Union” summit. This was reported by the Presidential Press Service.

During the meeting, the practical aspects of expanding Uzbekistan’s partnership with this prestigious international financial institution were thoroughly examined.

“The strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and EBRD has reached a high level. The portfolio of joint projects in priority sectors is steadily expanding. The bank’s total investments in the country’s economy have exceeded €5 billion, including approximately €1 billion in 2022 alone. The majority of financial support has been directed towards the private sector,” the report highlighted.

Additionally, Uzbekistan’s medium-term Partnership Strategy with EBRD is being successfully implemented. Measures are being taken to transform the banking sector and expand business opportunities with the assistance of EBRD experts.

The meeting emphasized improving the quality and efficiency of project execution. The importance of streamlining processes and accelerating project preparation was highlighted.

Key areas of focus included the development of small and medium-sized businesses, support for women and youth entrepreneurship, and expansion of public-private partnership projects in vital sectors such as education, water supply, and waste management.

Priority collaboration programs also addressed green economy initiatives, reducing carbon emissions, digitalization and artificial intelligence, mortgage market development, and advancing transport communication systems.

Preparations for the upcoming international investment forum in Tashkent and the next meeting of the Council of Foreign Investors in June were also discussed.

It’s worth recalling that on April 2, President Mirziyoyev held an informal meeting with European Council President António Costa, during which bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest were discussed.